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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Jun 2011

Vol. 736 No. 4

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 18, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 19 to 41, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 42 to 53, inclusive, answered orally.

Army Barracks

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

54 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the planned developments at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17027/11]

The Department is engaged on an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment in Custume Barracks. The most recent major projects include the construction of a new Gymnasium, refurbishment of the Watergate Building as Office Accommodation, a gas and water main upgrade and the provision of new underground services and associated works. Currently the construction of New Armoured Vehicle Garaging is underway in addition to the repair and upgrading of the heating system in the Dining Hall. There are also plans to upgrade the electrical transformer later in the year. Approximately €4.5 million of the capital budget has been invested in Custume Barracks over the past three to four years.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 50.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 49.

Irish Red Cross

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

57 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the contacts he has had with the Officers of the Irish Red Cross since he has taken office in pursuit of his plans to initiate a detailed legal review of the structures and governance of the Irish Red Cross; if he or his officials have had discussions with the International Red Cross regarding these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17266/11]

The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. Proposals for reform of the governance of the Irish Red Cross Society initially arose from a resolution that was passed in November 2007 by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which urged all National Societies to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and related legal texts by 2010. I am aware that a Working Group to propose changes in the governance of the Society was established by the Irish Red Cross in 2008. The Chairman of the Working Group presented the findings, which included changes recommended by the International Federation, to the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society at a meeting held in November 2009. The Working Group's report was then submitted to the Department of Defence early last year.

Following the Department's review of these proposals and the related legislation, a draft Order that would amend the Irish Red Cross Order 1939 was submitted to the Office of the Attorney General. The 1939 Order sets out the basis upon which the Society is governed and was made pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938.

Discussions with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the 1939 Order are continuing. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval. Whatever changes are made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will then be commenced by my Department.

In this regard, whilst I am conscious of the importance attaching to the independence of the Society, I have been in contact with the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross recently in relation to the Society's corporate governance arrangements. While I note that some progress has been made by the Society in this regard, it is in my opinion crucial that the Society makes further substantial progress to ensure that its corporate governance structures comply with the highest standards. For instance, it is not conducive to good corporate governance that any individual should serve indefinitely on the Central Council or the Executive Committee, or in the same appointment. I would urge the Society, which is the beneficiary of State funding — both directly and indirectly — to make further substantial progress in this area so as to ensure that its corporate governance standards meets what would be regarded as acceptable for an organisation of the calibre of the Red Cross. With this in mind, I have arranged to meet with the Chairman of the Society shortly. Officials from my Department have met regularly with the Irish Red Cross in recent months and will continue to do so. Officials have also met with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and in this regard I believe that an overriding principle must be to ensure that any legislative changes made have the full support of the International Federation.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

58 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Defence when the Defence Forces will be recruiting again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17025/11]

Recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve the reduction of 3% in payroll costs that had been applied, in common with other areas of the public service, to the Defence Forces. The present position is that, within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Defence Forces. To this end, targeted recruitment was carried out in 2010 and 2011. The Military Authorities have advised that to the end of May 2011 a total of 265 General Service Recruits have been enlisted. There are no plans for further general service recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force at this time.

There will be an intake of 30 cadets from the Cadetship Competition in 2011 and a number of technical appointments will also be filled.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Defence Forces Equipment

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

59 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence his plans to introduce a Bill listing the types of weaponry the Defence Forces are prohibited from using or facilitating the use of and the list of weaponry he plans to include in this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17249/11]

There are no plans to introduce a Bill along the lines suggested by the Deputy. Ireland's policy on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons which is primarily a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs advocates the total elimination of nuclear weapons and the prevention of nuclear weapons capability, a complete ban on the use of cluster munitions, greater controls on the trade in small arms and light weapons and the implementation and strengthening of treaties banning the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of chemical and biological weapons. The equipment, including ordnance and weapons, held by the Defence Forces is acquired to maintain the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all the roles assigned by Government, at home and overseas. The weaponry used by the Defence Forces for training and operational purposes complies with all international conventions. The primary purpose for such equipment is the protection of personnel, particularly on overseas missions.

Search and Rescue Service

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

60 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate resources and facilities are available to the Navy and Air Corps to facilitate the fullest possible extent of air sea rescue and coastal surveillance activity; if he intends to enhance such activity and procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17264/11]

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them in the White Paper on Defence, the Air Corps and the Naval Service are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Air Corps and the Naval Service provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capabilities. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard which sets out the search and rescue assistance that the Air Corps and Naval Service can provide, within their capabilities, to the Coast Guard. The provision of assistance during mountain rescue operations and fixed wing top cover by the Air Corps Casa aircraft to Coast Guard helicopters is included in the agreement. Assistance that is provided by the Naval Service to the Coast Guard during maritime search and rescue and recovery operations is also covered in the SLA.

In relation to coastal surveillance activity, the Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.

The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery, and drug interdiction operations.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits, or the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol. A contract was placed last year for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service, each of which will be almost 90 metres in length. The acquisition of these larger vessels will ensure that the Service can continue to carry out all its taskings in increasingly difficult and dangerous sea conditions in the Atlantic. Preparations for their construction have commenced at Appledore in the UK and the first vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second new vessel will follow one year later.

The Naval Service intends to further enhance its surveillance capabilities by utilizing both the Coast Guard's Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system which identifies merchant shipping in and approaching Irish waters.

The two Air Corps Casa aircraft also have an important surveillance capability which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone. These aircraft both underwent mid-life upgrades which were completed in 2008 at a cost of €16.5m. The upgrades included the fitting of state of the art surveillance and communication equipment.

I am satisfied that both the Air Corps and Navy have the necessary resources to meet all their operational requirements including the provision of search and rescue assistance to the Coast Guard and surveillance taskings.

Severe Weather Events

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

61 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the level of support available to the Defence Forces to deal with severe weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/11]

Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide assistance in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework. Representation on the Government Task Force, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation with the appropriate lead Department in the event of an emergency. The Defence Forces are also members of eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework in order to coordinate the work of the Principal Response Agencies. Furthermore, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities and I am satisfied that this arrangement works well locally.

The various procedures that are in place, both nationally and locally, were seen to operate very effectively recently as the Defence Forces responded to all requests for assistance received from the civil authorities during the recent period of severe weather which ran from 27 November to 26 December 2010.

During this period, all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces nationally were made available to the Task Force, and its Inter Agency Coordination Committee, for the purpose of providing assistance where it was not possible for other agencies and organisations to respond.

The Inter Agency Coordination Committee, which met almost daily throughout the emergency, requested that, strategically, the Defence Forces would concentrate its support effort on the Health Service Executive, mainly in relation to mobility tasks. Approximately 70% of all ATCA operations conducted by the Defence Forces were in support of the HSE. This proved to be a very effective approach as transport was provided to HSE staff such as palliative care and community nurses visiting patients and in the transport of health workers, particularly doctors and nurses, to their place of work and, indeed, between hospitals as the need arose.

Assistance was also provided to those involved in the delivery of meals on wheels whilst focused ice and snow clearing operations were also carried out throughout the country; with particular efforts being made to maintain the safety of public infrastructure and key transport hubs.

Overall, I believe that the response of the Defence Forces proved to be extremely effective.

Commemorative Events

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

62 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Taoiseach the position regarding plans to set up a 1916 centenary committee; and if local groups and organisations can register an interest in holding an official centenary celebration. [17022/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

65 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the steps he has taken to broaden the 1916 Centenary Committee beyond current and former members of the Dáil and Seanad and to ensure that it is all Ireland in nature; if the committee has met and when will it next meet. [17504/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 65 together.

The arrangements for the preparation of the centenary commemorative framework will be announced shortly.

These arrangements will provide an opportunity for the views and suggestions of all interested persons and bodies in Ireland and abroad to be considered.

It is expected that there will be many Independence related commemorative initiatives organised on a sectoral, local and regional basis in the coming years, which could be included in the national programme where appropriate.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

63 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17246/11]

I have been supplied with a Garda car under the Ministerial transport scheme and do not use a private car for official purposes. Department of Finance Circular 07/2009: Motor Travel and Subsistence Rates sets out the subsistence rates that can be claimed by all Departmental Staff, including myself and the Ministers of State assigned to my Department.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

64 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of personnel by which he has reduced his Department; the way in which he has transformed his Department to the equivalent of a Cabinet office that oversees the delivery of the Programme for Government. [17385/11]

At the beginning of this year, there were 189 staff employed in my Department. Following the transfer of sections and posts in my Department which had been engaged in work which now comes within the responsibility of the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform, together with support staff and other reductions, the total number of staff serving in my Department is now 160.

There will be further restructuring of my Department following the forthcoming appointment to a new Second Secretary General post.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 62.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

66 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Taoiseach the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18181/11]

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only state agency under the aegis of my Department. The value of contracts issued by NESDO in 2010 and 2011 outsourcing IT services is summarised in the following table:

Service

Year

Amount

Sub Contracted

Managed IT Support Service Agreement

2010

€38,517.75

No

Citrix Xen Desktop Deployment and Installation

2010

€45,597.64

No

Managed IT Support Service Agreement

2011*

€17,055.38

No

*Covers first two quarters of 2011

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

67 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18192/11]

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only state agency under the aegis of my Department. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to NESDO is as follows:

The NESDO, which includes the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), has 20 staff (18.4 whole time equivalents).

The respective job titles are as follows:

1 Director NESC/Chief Officer NESDO;

1 Senior Economist;

3 Senior Policy Analysts;

2 Economists;

5 Policy Analysts;

1 Head of Administration;

1 Higher Executive Office;

4 Executive Officers;

2 Clerical Officers.

The total annual wage bill for NESDO in 2011 will be in the region of €1.8m. The total allocation to NESDO in 2011 from my Department's Vote is €2.325m.

The membership of the Board of the NESDO comprises the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of NESC. There are 33 members on the NESC. Members do not receive any remuneration in relation to their roles on the Board/Council.

Passport Applications

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

68 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [17005/11]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

73 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding an application for a passport in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17081/11]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

79 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied). [17365/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 73 and 79 together.

A passport application for the person in question was submitted in May, 2011. In accordance with the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008, this Department must be satisfied that an applicant is an Irish citizen before issuing him with a passport.

As the applicant was born in the State in February, 2011 her entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by Section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended (the 1956 Act). The 1956 Act provides that a person, who is born in the State on or after 1 January, 2005 and does not have a parent who is either an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for a passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three of the four years preceding the birth of the child.

This Department assesses such applications in line with guidelines provided by the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for matters of citizenship and immigration. In accordance with these guidelines, the proofs of lawful residence, which are accepted and considered in connection with passport applications, are immigration stamps in passports or the registration cards/books which are given to persons registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. These are official documents, which can be objectively verified and are relied on by the Department in the processing of passport applications.

In line with the requirements of the 1956 Act, the lawful residence in the State of the applicant's father in the four year period preceding his daughter's date of birth was examined. Based on the evidence of immigration stamps in his passport, the total amount of reckonable residence did not meet with the statutory requirement of three years. It should be noted that, in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Justice and Equality, residence in Ireland in relation to permissions to stay in the State for studying is not reckonable for the purposes of the 1956 Act. Any period of the father's residence, which has been authorised by immigration authorities for study, was therefore, excluded from the Department's calculation. As the child's entitlement to Irish citizenship had not been demonstrated in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Justice and Equality, this Department could not issue a passport to her.

The Department wrote to the applicant's parents on 30 April, 2011 and again on 16 June 2011 to explain this decision. Moreover, the parents were asked to submit immigration details in respect of the mother to see if she had the required amount of reckonable residence. Unfortunately, no reply has been received from them.

In light of the above, I regret to inform you that, as the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship has still not been demonstrated in accordance with the Department of Justice and Equality's guidelines, this Department remains unable to issue a passport to the person in question at this time.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, whose application for residency has been refused and who wishes to apply for a passport for their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17024/11]

The Passports Act, 2008 requires that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. Evidence of that person's entitlement to Irish citizenship must be provided with his/her passport application. Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, (1956 Act) persons born in the State after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside without restriction in the State or in Northern Ireland, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for a passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years preceding their birth.

Section 6B(2) of the 1956 Act makes particular provision for nationals of EU Member States who by making a declaration concerning their residence in the island of Ireland for three of the four years immediately preceding the child's birth will be regarded as having resided in the island of Ireland in respect of the declared periods for purposes of the 1956 Act, unless the contrary is proved. All declarations must be supported by evidence of residence such as tax certificates, bank statements etc.

In the case raised by the Deputy , however, we do not have sufficient information to give clear guidelines as to the entitlement to an Irish passport. If the Deputy wishes to provide these, we would be happy to provide further advice.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

70 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17055/11]

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

71 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in relation to attendance at Ministerial Councils for which he has responsibility since the formation of the Government; if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting [17061/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.

There are two Ministers of State at my Department — Minister of State Lucinda Creighton T.D. and Minister of State Jan O Sullivan T.D. Minister of State Creighton, appointed to both the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has special responsibility for European Affairs. She plays an active role in engaging with partners in EU member States and the European institutions. She deputises for me on matters relating to the EU agenda when necessary, including in the context of Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council meetings. She also plays a key role in coordinating the Government's handling of EU issues, including through chairing the Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on European Affairs and the Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on the Presidency.

I have responsibility for representing Ireland at the Foreign Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council. On occasions when I have not been able to do so, Ireland has been represented by Minister of State Creighton. Since the formation of the Government she has represented Ireland at the General Affairs Council meetings on 21 March, 13 April, 23 May and 21 June; and at the Foreign Affairs Council meetings on 21 March and 23 May.

Minister of State O'Sullivan is Minister of State for Trade and Development at my Department. This role includes responsibility for the Government's Overseas Development Aid programme, Irish Aid, which is managed by my Department. Ireland's aid programme is internationally recognised as one of the best in the world and has as its overall focus the reduction of poverty with an emphasis on hunger and related areas. The aid programme also responds to humanitarian emergencies and development assistance is delivered through a range of partnerships including local and national authorities, communities, NGOs and international partners such as the UN system.

Minister of State O'Sullivan has also been assigned responsibility for Trade. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department now has an enhanced role in trade promotion and I will be fully supported in this by the Minister of State. In particular, she will be working with me in the Export Trade Council, which I will chair and which will be established shortly. The Council will bring together Government Departments, the State Agencies and representatives of the private sector with experience of the export sector. Both the Minister of State and I will lead trade missions as appropriate. We will work closely together to develop the key contribution of Ireland's Embassy network to the export-led growth essential to economic recovery. I can assure the Deputy that Minister O'Sullivan has already been actively engaged in economic and trade work in the course of a number of overseas visits, including to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and most recently to Africa.

In relation to Minister of State O'Sullivan's attendance as Ministerial Councils, twice a year, usually in May and November, the Foreign Affairs Council meetings include a session on development, which is attended by Member States' Development Ministers. Minister of State O'Sullivan attended the development segment of the May 2011 Foreign Affairs Council which was held in Brussels on 24 May. The next development cooperation session of the Foreign Affairs Council is scheduled for 10 November 2011.

Both Ministers also undertake other Departmental duties, at my request, as the need arises.

Trade Missions

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

72 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be leading any trade missions to Japan in 2011; his plans to increase trade to Japan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/11]

Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing exports to markets abroad. The Export Trade Council, which will be established shortly and which I will chair, will consider the overall programme of trade missions. It will also monitor implementation of the Government's Trade Strategy under which Japan has been identified as one of the priority markets. The Ambassador in Tokyo chairs a local market team which brings together the relevant State Agencies focussed on developing further our trading and investment links with Japan. The Government attaches great importance to developing our trade and economic links with all of our Asian partners. In this context, I hope to attend the annual meeting of Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum (APIBF) in Seoul, Korea on 14 October 2011. While it will not be possible to schedule a full trade mission to Japan before the end of 2011, I hope to visit Tokyo en route to the APIBF meeting and to have a number of meetings there focussed on trade and economic issues.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 68.

Consular Services

John Lyons

Ceist:

74 Deputy John Lyons asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the Russian authorities regarding the security arrangements for Irish fans attending the Ireland/Russia match on 6 September in Moscow; if, in view of incidents in September 2002, when a number of Irish fans were attacked in the city, if he will be issuing travel advice to fans who intend to go to the match; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17128/11]

The Consular Section of my Department has a long standing arrangement whereby it meets with officials from the FAI to discuss any concerns that there may be in regard to the safety and welfare of Irish fans travelling to away games. Our Embassies will generally provide a consular presence at the match venue and they take part in discussions surrounding the logistical and security arrangements for same. Officials from the Embassy in Moscow, who are in close liaison with my Department's Consular Division, met with representatives of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in Moscow to discuss preparations for the Ireland-Russia match scheduled to take place there on 6 September 2011, at the Luzhniki Stadium. These FAI representatives have, in turn, met with representatives of the Russian football federation, staff at the Luzhniki Stadium and other relevant bodies.

Comprehensive travel advice is prepared for all Irish away games and this will be issued nearer to the match. The advice will be posted on the Department's website and distributed through the FAI and travel agents. This advice will include lessons drawn from the experiences of fans in 2002 and at other important international matches played in Moscow and other cities over the intervening period. Further contacts with relevant authorities in the Russian Federation will take place in the coming weeks and officials from our Embassy in Moscow will take care that the authorities are aware of our concern that appropriate arrangements be in place to ensure that the travelling fans are able to enjoy a great sporting occasion, without having concerns for their safety or wellbeing.

OSCE Presidency

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

75 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to Ireland’s presidency of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2012, if it is expected that a committee or sub-committee will be established to oversee the presidency. [17135/11]

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I will be the Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) for the duration of our chairmanship and will bear overall responsibility for the executive action of the organisation and the co-ordination of its activities. My officials have been working on preparations for the OSCE chairmanship since last summer and, to this end, a dedicated OSCE Task Force was established in my Department in October. This is likely to number approximately 15 officials, with a similar number working at Ireland's Permanent Mission to the OSCE in Vienna. The OSCE's activities cover a broad spectrum of activities and I want to ensure that all our government Departments are in a position to contribute to, and gain from, our chairmanship. To this end, an Inter-Departmental meeting took place earlier this year and regular consultations have been held with officials from other government Departments, who will be able to contribute relevant expertise over the course of Ireland's chairmanship. With regard to the Houses of the Oireachtas, I would expect that the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs will discuss OSCE developments in the course of its work.

The OSCE remains a cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in Europe and I look forward greatly to the challenge of providing its political leadership next year.

Human Rights Issues

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

76 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the situation in Bahrain was discussed at the meeting of European Foreign Ministers this week; if conclusions were agreed on this matter; and the steps the EU will now take to push for an end to the military trials of doctors and ongoing suppression of fundamental human rights in Bahrain. [17142/11]

The human rights situation in Bahrain was not discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 June but it was raised at last week's European Council on 23-24 June which the Taoiseach attended. Ireland succeeded at the European Council in having the current unsatisfactory human rights situation in Bahrain addressed in the formal conclusions adopted, with the final agreed Declaration expressing the European Council's concern about the process surrounding the trials and sentencing of opposition members in Bahrain and encouraging Bahrain to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Taoiseach spoke about the situation in Bahrain at the European Council and in support of the efforts led by Ireland to include such a reference in the final Declaration. I have already made clear on a number of occasions, including in this House, my own deep concern and that of the Irish Government and people at the current human rights situation in Bahrain. This includes condemning the severity of the life sentences imposed on a number of human rights activists in Bahrain last week, including Mr. Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, the former coordinator for the Irish NGO, Frontline. I believe these harsh sentences should be revoked and all those who are charged with nothing more than peaceful protest should be released without further delay.

Ireland's concerns are also shared by EU Partners with the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 May having also adopted strong conclusions calling for the fair and transparent administration of justice and access for independent observers to ongoing legal proceedings, including in cases involving charges against medical professionals. The need for Bahrain to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and its accountability regarding allegations of human rights violations including reported cases of torture and ill-treatment, was also underlined in the Council's Conclusions.

The EU has also formally raised its concerns directly with the Bahraini authorities in Manama on 15 May and again on 19 June regarding the human rights situation and the repressive actions taken against medical staff. With regard to the trials of the medical staff, the EU made clear that it was troubled that civilians were being tried in circumstances closely resembling those of military courts and urged the Bahraini authorities to respect the medical personnel's right to a fair trial and permit EU representatives and international or domestic organisations to observe the trials. The EU also requested the Bahraini authorities to carry out a full investigation of alleged and documented human rights abuses committed during the past months, whomever the perpetrator, and immediately release all political prisoners. The EU also raised the case of Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, prior to his sentencing, at Ireland's request.

Bilaterally, we have also made our views known in the fullest terms to the Bahraini authorities. The Irish Ambassador in Riyadh met on 20 June with his Bahraini counterpart to inform him of the Government's deep concerns and to request the Ambassador to convey immediately to his authorities our view that all those who are charged with nothing more than peaceful protest should be released without further delay. Ireland will continue to raise human rights in Bahrain, both bilaterally and in coordination with our EU partners, at all appropriate occasions.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

77 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17241/11]

There are two Ministers of State attached to my Department who are entitled to motor mileage allowance in respect of the use of their cars on travel related to their office. The applicable mileage rates are set by the Department of Finance. The current rates are as follows:

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine capacity 2001cc and over

0-4,000 miles

62.94 cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles up to maximum limit of 60,000 miles

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

Subsistence allowances are also set by the Department of Finance. The current overnight subsistence allowance for domestic travel for Ministers and Ministers of State is €72.66 plus the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge). The current day rates are €33.61 (for travel of more than 10 hours) and €13.71 (for travel of 5 to 10 hours).

Where Ministers or Ministers of State travel abroad they may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the applicable A civil service conference rate for the destination in question increased by 1/3, with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by 1/2.

There are no other allowances currently payable by my Department in respect of Ministers and Ministers of State.

Trade Missions

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

78 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made in developing a programme of intensified Taoiseach led trade missions. [16161/11]

Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing exports to markets abroad. This is particularly the case in countries where government-to-government contacts are a prerequisite for doing business. The Export Trade Council, which will be established shortly and which I will chair, will consider the overall programme of trade missions including those to be led by the Taoiseach. I understand that the Taoiseach hopes to lead a Trade Mission to China later this year subject to agreement with the Chinese authorities on suitable dates. Contacts in this regard are continuing through our Embassy in Beijing.

Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 68.

Passport Applications

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

80 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the amount of revenue collected by issuing passports in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17497/11]

A breakdown of passports issued and total passport income is appended for the years 2008-2010 and 2011 year to date.

Year

Passports Issued

Passport Income

2008

576,617

€29,721,000

2009

572,783

€31,872,000

2010

603,753

€33,122,000

2011 to 24 June

300,319

€18,499,000

Tom Barry

Ceist:

81 Deputy Tom Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current waiting time for processing a passport application. [17513/11]

Due to a surge in demand, the turnaround time for passport applications received through the Passport Express service is between 11 and 14 working days. It normally takes 10 working days. The Passport Express service is available for passport applications lodged in Ireland only. Notice of the current extended turnaround time and its likely duration has been published on the Passport Service website www.passport.ie since 18 April 2011. The Passport Office has also informed An Post so that customers can be advised of the situation at the point of application.

Applications made by ordinary post do not have a guaranteed turnaround service and are currently taking over 6 weeks to be processed.

During the peak summer period, application processing times can lengthen for all passport applications. In such circumstances, priority continues to be given to applications made through the Passport Express Service. The Passport Service regrets the delay and any difficulties caused in this regard. Measures have been taken with the recruitment of temporary staff and the use of overtime to return current turnaround times back to standard service levels at the earliest opportunity.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

82 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18176/11]

There are no State Agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

State Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

83 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18188/11]

There are no State Agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, and accordingly none of the bodies associated with my Department listed in the details provided fall into that category.

Public Service Reform

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

84 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the new skills and rigour he has to date brought into policy making across all Departments as committed to in the Programme for Government and if he has not, as yet, the way he intends to do so into the future. [17387/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

85 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the measures by which Departments, from Ministers down, are more accountable at every level as committed to in the Programme for Government; if he will detail the consequences for success and or failure of implementing the measures for each departmental level of responsibility. [17388/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

87 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the measures he has implemented to strengthen corporate governance legislation and enforcement as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17390/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

88 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the date on which the Legislative Reform Unit will conclude its work in fast tracking the Whistleblowers’ Act and restoration of Freedom of Information and in turn when may Dáil Éireann expect legislation on both to be completed. [17392/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

122 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the mechanisms he has put in place to improve performance and deal with persistent under performance in the public sector as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17377/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

123 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the external standards and benchmarks he has put in place to improve performance and deal with persistent under performance in the public sector as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17378/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

124 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide tangible examples of the way he has devolved more power to public servants as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17379/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

125 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the numbers of experts in change management he has brought into the public service from outside as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17380/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

126 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the actions he has taken to provide key information on the performance of key services to citizens as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17381/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

128 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the fundamental changes to the way Government operates that he has implemented to protect frontilne services despite reduced numbers as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17383/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

129 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the measures he has put in place to deliver a more strategic centre at the heart of Government to confront and break up damaging concentrations of power as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17384/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

131 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the measures he has put in place to ensure there will be no more golden handshakes for public servants that have failed to deliver as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17391/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

133 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he has introduced a reformed incentive scheme for all grades within core Government Departments to reward cross departmental teams that deliver audited improvements in service delivery and cost effectiveness; and if he will outline the incentive scheme and the Departments that are considered core. [17394/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

134 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the measures he has implemented to rationalise core processes that are duplicated across the public service and the processes he considers core. [17395/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

137 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the criteria he will apply to deem the opening up the delivery of public services to a range of providers as committed to in the Programme for Government; and the public services to which he refers. [17400/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

138 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance when the new freedoms to be given to schools, hospitals and other public bodies as committed to in the Programme for Government will be implemented; and the nature of these freedoms. [17401/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

139 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if work has begun on the reconfiguration project of Government service websites, public offices, telephone services and helplines to facilitate access to a broad range of Government services through a single point of contact; the Government Department that is overseeing the work; and if he will provide a full list of Departments and service that will be included in the final single point of contact. [17402/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

140 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the way the new performance and development system scheme for civil service staff operates as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17403/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

141 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the way the staff recognition schemes operate as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17404/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

142 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the barriers he has removed to increase mobility across the public service as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17405/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

143 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he has created a new tier of senior public service management structures rotating senior officials across the public sector as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if so, the number of senior public servants that populate the new tier. [17406/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

144 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the date by which the review of the grading structure of the civil and public service will be completed as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17407/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 85, 87, 88, 122 to 126, inclusive, 128, 129, 131, 133, 134 and 137 to 144, inclusive, together.

As outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to the most ambitious programme of Public Service Reform since the foundation of the State. This will take place in tandem with an equally significant programme of constitutional, political and institutional reform. We want to ensure that there is a fundamental change in democratic and public governance, and a dramatic change in the cost efficiency and methods of delivery of public services. It is clear that notwithstanding developments to-date, the cost of delivering public services must be reduced further, with fewer staff and tighter budgets, and that the Public Service must become better integrated and more customer-focused, as well as being leaner and more efficient.

A key element of our strategy to bring about real and lasting change in the Public Service is the establishment of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is an innovative development which reinforces the importance attached to delivering on the Public Service reform agenda, and the role which this Government believes a streamlined and high performing Public Service can play in our national recovery. The Bill to formally establish the Department is expected to complete all stages in the Dáil and Seanad by the end of this week.

The Government wants to make progress on this issue quickly and detailed implementation plans are being developed at present which will encompass the commitments to Public Service reform in the Programme for Government, including those which are the subject of these Parliamentary Questions. The focus is on the key actions now required and how they will be implemented to ensure that substantive and tangible change is delivered within clearly defined timeframes.

Public Expenditure

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

86 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the criteria by which a Department will decide that an agency board is to be abolished. [17389/11]

The Government is committed to examining all aspects of public expenditure under the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure with a view to ensuring where state programmes do continue that all resources are used in the optimum manner to deliver services to citizens. One aspect of this review will be the rationalisation of state agencies. The Government expects that this will go beyond simply abolishing agencies and also consider issues such as how existing agencies might be reformed, how functions might be reallocated among them, and how different bodies — within or beyond individual Ministers' remit — might be brought together on a repurposed, streamlined basis. The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, in its Report of July 2009, set out a number of guiding principles that should in its view inform the Government's approach to agency rationalisation. Taking account of these principles and developing them in light of the Government's priorities, the key principles to which the Government will have regard in this overall context are as follows:

1. Citizen focus: The relationship between citizens and the State is the key relationship in any democratic society. Proposals should respect and enhance this relationship, in particular by ensuring that agencies are designed to deliver quality public services, and to contribute effectively to the business of public administration whether directly or via their parent Department.

2. Policy formulation: In the Irish system of public administration, Government Departments are and should be the primary locus of public policy formulation, evaluation and analysis. Policy evaluation and advisory functions should not, as a general rule, be carried on by external State-funded agencies. Specialist advice and consultancy may be availed of from time to time by Government Departments, subject to the tightened Government strictures on the budgets for external consultancies.

3. Specialist agencies: Decisions should take into account whether it is appropriate that a separate agency carry out particular functions in areas where specialist skills may be required, and where independence in the performance of functions requires functional separation from Government Departments.

4. Streamlining: Decisions should be cognisant of duplication, overlapping and similarities of functions and roles of agencies, and the synergies from bringing together separate bodies within cognate areas.

5. Service sharing: Even where bodies should remain separate from one another, or from a ‘parent' Department, the possibility of sharing services, including back-office functions, should be explored to the maximum extent possible.

6. Agency life cycle: Decisions should consider whether the goal for which an Agency was originally established has been achieved (or has been found to be unachievable) and whether the original objective remains relevant today having regard to developments in society, changes in Government priorities, and the much more limited availability of resources.

7. Performance focus: Citizens are entitled to expect that every State agency has a clear mandate, clear benchmarks for the level of services that they are expected to deliver with their resources, and an appropriate governance structure that delivers accountability for results and performance.

8. Respect for staff interests: Finally, in relation to the staff employed in the various agencies, the Government will abide by the commitments given in the Croke Park Agreement in considering and implementing specific agency rationalisation proposals, subject to the necessary flexibilities, in particular on redeployment, being delivered.

Questions Nos. 87 and 88 answered with Question No. 84.

Financial Products

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

89 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on State supported financial institutions increasing interest rates on mortgages outside of European Central Bank rate changes; his views that this is unfairly treating depositors over mortgage holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16988/11]

The mortgage interest rates that financial institutions operating in Ireland charge to customers are determined as a result of a commercial decision by the institutions concerned. The interest rate charged to customers is determined by a broad range of factors including European Central Bank base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment and an institution's overall funding. A balance must be maintained by the Government between support provided for individual banks and financial service providers generally through the bank guarantee scheme, other financial support incentives and broader public policy provisions, while at the same time ensuring that the day to day running of these institutions has regard to competition, market conditions and the need to develop stable commercial enterprises to meet the long term credit needs of households and businesses in the Irish economy.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce changes to income tax rates, bands or credits, for 2012. [17011/11]

The Programme for Government states that as part of the Government's fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits. The Taoiseach recently reiterated this commitment.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

91 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17054/11]

Deputy Brian Hayes is serving as Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Department of Finance. His role is to carry out the functions, tasks and policies as agreed within his remit.

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

92 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in relation to attendance at Ministerial Councils for which he has responsibility since the formation of the Government; if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting [17065/11]

Since I was appointed as Minister for Finance, there have been four months meetings of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers (Ecofin) in March, April, May and June. I have attended every one of these meetings. Usually on the eve of the monthly Ecofin, the Eurogroup meets and again I have attended these monthly meetings also. An extra Eurogroup meeting was called on 21 March to prepare the discussion on the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) for the March European Council. I also attended this meeting. While I was abroad on official business in the US, Mr. Brian Hayes, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, attended a meeting of Ecofin on 14 June, which was called to discuss Economic Governance proposals. This meeting was to discuss the state of play on the so called "Six-Pack" of legislative changes designed to strengthen the economic governance of the EU and to give a new mandate and political guidance, to the Hungarian Presidency in its ongoing negotiation with the European Parliament. He also attended a meeting of the Eurogroup on the same day.

The table below gives details of all meetings of EU Finance Ministers and Irish representation at them since the Government took office.

Meeting Title

Attended By

14 Mar

Eurogroup

Minister for Finance

15 Mar

Ecofin

Minister for Finance

21 Mar

EurogroupMinisterial meeting on the ESM

Minister for Finance

8-9 Apr

Informal Eurogroup/Ecofin

Minister for Finance

16 May

Eurogroup

Minister for Finance

17 May

Ecofin

Minister for Finance

14 Jun

Eurogroup & Ecofin

Minister of State at the Department of Finance

19-20 Jun

Eurogroup & Ecofin Ministerial meeting on the ESM

Minister for Finance

Oireachtas Payments

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

93 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a full list of all payments and allowances paid to Members of the Government and the Oireachtas as of April 2011; the changes, if any, he plans to make to these payments and allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17144/11]

The answer to this PQ is set out in three parts. Part 1 deals with salary payments to Ministers and Members of the Oireachtas. Part 2 deals with expense allowances for Ministers. Part 3 deals with allowances payable to Members of the Oireachtas.

Part 1

1. The Government on 9 March, 2011 reduced the salary of An Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister's of State and certain related Office Holders. The current rates of pay in respect of Members of the Oireachtas and Ministerial and Parliamentary Office Holders are set out in the table below.

Post

March 2011 31 Dáil

TD

€92,672

Senator

€65,621

Taoiseach

€107,328

TD

€92,672

Total

€200,000

Tánaiste

€91,733

TD

€92,672

Total

€184,405

Minister

€76,603

TD

€92,672

Total

€169,275

Ceann Comhairle

€76,603

TD

€92,672

Total

€169,275

Attorney General

€169,275

Minister of State

€37,370

TD

€92,672

Total

€130,042

Leas Cheann Comhairle

€37,370

TD

€92,672

Total

€130,042

Cathaoirleach

€44,336

Senator

€65,621

Total

€109,957

Leas-Chathaoirleach

€24,429

Senator

€65,621

Total

€90,050

Leader of the Seanad

€19,439

Senator

€65,621

Total

€85,060

2. Independent Members of the Oireachtas are paid an Independent Party Leaders' Allowance provided for in the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) Act, 1938 as amended by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act, 2001. The current rates are set out below.

Post

Rate per annum

Independent TD

€41,152

Independent Senator

€23,383

3. Allowances in respect of certain Ministerial and Parliamentary positions (Party Whips and Chairs of Oireachtas Committees, etc) are currently under review.

Part 2

Expense Allowances Payable to Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State

1.Travel Rates

Since 1 May 2011 Cabinet Minister with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Law Reform now use their own cars on official business. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres [or 60,000 miles] per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984.

The travel rates payable depend on the car engine size and are as follows since 5 March 2009;

Rates per Kilometre

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6,437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6,438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

Rates per Mile

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4,000 miles

62.94 cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles & over

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

Ministers including Ministers of State may appoint two civilian drivers the salaries for whom are paid by the Minister's respective Department.

2. Subsistence

Ministers on official overnight business away from their home or HQ may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax and up to 15% service charge. They may also claim an overnight subsistence allowance of €72.66 i.e. half the civil service Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third.

Where Ministers travel abroad including Northern Ireland they may claim for the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the civil service Class A conference rate for the location increased by one third with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half.

3. Representational Allowance

Where a Minister participates in a visit abroad an allowance of up to a maximum limit of €190.46 may be claimed to cover additional costs that may arise such as, for example, the purchase of a gift for the Minister's counterpart.

4. Parliamentary Standard Allowance [PSA]

Ministers receive the Public Representation Allowance [PRA] element of the Parliamentary Standard Allowance. Under the PRA Ministers may claim an unvouched amount of €12,000 per annum or a fully vouched amount up to €20,000 per annum. The purposes for which this allowance may be used includes expenses related to constituency offices, mobile phones, home telephones, newspaper advertising, distribution of leaflets, newsletters, conferences and other engagements related to their duties as a public representative, hire of rooms, replacement of equipment and web hosting and design.

Since the commencement of the PSA Minister's departments are responsible for paying the cost of telephones in Ministers' constituency offices.

5. Dual Abode Allowance

Ministers cannot avail of the Travel and Accommodation element of the PSA which is only payable to members of the Oireachtas. However, Ministers outside the Dublin area who maintain second homes because of their official duties can claim an income tax deduction in maintaining that second home as well as the annual mortgage repayment. The availability of this allowance is determined by the Revenue Commissioners.

6. Secretarial Assistance to Ministers provided under the Parliamentary Standard Allowance

The secretarial assistance facilities available to Ministers are as follows:

(a) a fully vouched Secretarial Allowance of up to €41,092 annually; or

(b) a vouched secretarial allowance of up to €11,591, plus an unvouched annual amount of €8,888.

7. Prepaid Envelopes

TDs, including Ministers, are entitled to 1,500 prepaid envelopes per month [18,000 per annum]. Senators are entitled to 1,000 pre paid envelopes per month [12,000 per annum].

8. Entertainment Expenses

There are limits on what may be spent on official entertainment by Ministers and other civil servants. For the Ministers the limits are as follows:

Occasion

Host

Limit per person

Dinner

Minister

€64.00

Lunch

Minister

€51.00

Reception

Minister

€13.00

9. Attorney General

An Attorney General who is not a member of the Oireachtas may claim a miscellaneous expense allowance of €12,000 per annum.

Part 3

Expense Allowances Payable to Members of the Oireachtas (TDs and Senators)

Oireachtas Members can avail of the Parliamentary Standard Allowance which has two elements as follows:

Travel and accommodation allowance and

Public Representation Allowance.

10. Travel and Accommodation Allowance [TAA]

There is a single amount covering the costs of travel to/from Leinster House, overnights where applicable and, in the case of TDs, constituency travel. The annual amounts vary depending on the distance of a residence from Leinster House. As mentioned above Ministers are not entitled to these payments.

11. TAA Amounts to be paid

Band Number

Distance

Deputies Annual

Senators Annual

Oireachtas Office Holders Annual

Dublin

Less than 25km

€12,000

€7,000

€8,400

1

25km or more but less than 60km

€28,106

€23,106

€24,457

2

60km or more but less than 90km

€30,350

€25,350

€27,150

3

90km or more but less than 120km

€31,850

€26,850

€28,950

4

120km or more but less than 150km

€32,966

€27,966

€30,289

5

150km or more but less than 180km

€33,350

€28,350

€30,750

6

180km or more but less than 210km

€33,722

€28,722

€31,196

7

210km or more but less than 240km

€34,094

€29,094

€31,643

8

240km or more but less than 270km

€34,850

€29,850

€32,550

9

270km or more but less than 300km

€35,594

€30,594

€33,443

10

300km or more but less than 330km

€36,350

€31,350

€34,350

11

330km or more but less than 360km

€37,106

€32,106

€35,257

12

360km or more

€37,850

€32,850

€36,150

Public Representation Allowance [PRA]

12. Amounts to be paid under the PRA

TDs may receive an unvouched amount of €15,000 per annum or a fully vouched amount up to €25,700 per annum. Senators have an unvouched amount of €9,250 per annum and a vouched amount of up to €15,000 per annum.

13. Constituency Office Grant

TD's including Ministers receive a one-off grant of €8,000 towards the cost of setting up a constituency office. This grant is not payable to Senators.

14. Secretarial Assistance to TDs provided under the Parliamentary Standard Allowance

The secretarial assistance facilities available to TDs, apart from the Secretarial Assistant provided by the Oireachtas Commission, IT and other equipment provided, are asfollows:

One of the following

(a) A Parliamentary Assistant employed by the member with the salary paid for by the Oireachtas Commission; or

(b) a fully vouched Secretarial Allowance of up to €41,092 annually; or

(c) a vouched secretarial allowance of up to €11,591, plus an unvouched annual amount of €8,888.

The vouched Secretarial Allowance may be used for work or service done or the employment of a temporary person.

15. Secretarial Assistance to Senators provided under the Parliamentary Standard Allowance

The secretarial assistance facilities available to Senators leaving aside IT and other equipment provided are as follows:

One of the following:

(a) an additional 50% of a secretarial assistant employed by the member with the salary paid for by the Oireachtas Commission. This gives the Senator a total of a full time secretarial post; or

(b) a fully vouched annual amount of up to €20,546; or

(c) an unvouched Secretarial Allowance of €6,666 pa plus an additional ¼ of a secretarial assistant.

The vouched Secretarial Allowance may be used for work or service done or the employment of a temporary person.

16. Members of the Oireachtas are paid subsistence when they travel abroad on official business at normal civil service rates.

17. Members of the Oireachtas attending the Parliamentary Assemblies may avail of the following arrangements:

Organisation

Subsistence

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council

Hotel Accommodation costs plus A conference rate of subsistence increased by 80% to cover an element for casual entertaining.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Western European Union

Hotel Accommodation costs plus A conference rate of subsistence increased by 60% to cover an element for casual entertaining.

Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE

Hotel Accommodation costs plus A conference rate of subsistence increased by 60% to cover an element for casual entertaining.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Euro-Med

Hotel Accommodation costs plus A conference rate

Attendance at Inter Parliamentary Union Conferences

Hotel Accommodation costs plus A conference rate of subsistence increased by 60% to cover an element for casual entertaining.

Bi-lateral Visits

Because such visits occur at the invitation of a foreign parliament, Members travelling do not obtain subsistence as all their accommodation, meals and transport costs are covered by the host Parliament. In this instance an entertainment allowance is paid to Members at rates of 20% of the Class A conference rate increased by 1/3.

18. It is the position that a new Oireachtas expenses regime was introduced from 1 March 2010 and provides for a more rationalised system of expense payments.

Financial Products

Dara Murphy

Ceist:

94 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on instructions issued by a bank to a person (details supplied) to move from a tracker mortgage to interest only; his further views that this is best practice from a State owned bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17147/11]

As Minister for Finance I will not comment on the particular circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy. These are matters in the first instance for the bank itself, the Central Bank of Ireland in its role as regulator and, should the customer wish to make a complaint the Financial Services Ombudsman. The Consumer Protection Code requires regulated entities to act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of their customers. Such entities must not recklessly, negligently or deliberately mislead a customer as to the real or perceived advantages or disadvantages of any product or service. In accordance with common rule 12 of the Consumer Protection Code "a regulated entity must ensure that all information it provides to a consumer is clear and comprehensible, and that key items are brought to the attention of the consumer. The method of presentation must not disguise, diminish or obscure important information."

In the case of a customer experiencing financial difficulties in meeting his/her mortgage commitments or one who is concerned that he/she is in danger of going into financial difficulties, mortgage lenders must comply with the requirements of the revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) which came into effect on 1 January 2011. A lender must have a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process in place incorporating communication with borrowers, financial information, assessment, resolution and appeals. In exploring all options for alternative repayment arrangements lenders must consider, inter alia, deferred payment, term extension, interest and partial capital payments and interest only arrangements. The CCMA states that lenders "must not require the borrower to change from an existing tracker mortgage to another mortgage type, as part of any alternative arrangement offered to the borrower".

Ministerial Engagements

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

95 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of meetings he attended, including a list of the attendees, during his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/11]

On my recent visit to New York and Washington, I had a series of economic, financial, media and cultural engagements. These included meetings with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, senior officials and representatives from various client companies and certain target IDA companies. While in New York my engagements included meetings with legal and financial market advisers including an investor lunch facilitated by the NTMA, a lunch hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as well as attending an official breakfast meeting at the New York Stock Exchange. The purpose of these meetings was to have an exchange of views on the global and European financial situation while also addressing Irish specific issues. I outlined the prospects for the Irish economy and the measures taken by Government to restructure the Irish banking system and promote economic growth.

I also toured "Ireland House" in New York and met with officials from the various organizations located there, and also participated in Bloomsday celebrations.

My visit to Washington involved a series of meetings with the IMF, World Bank, US Treasury and the US Chamber of Commerce. A formal reception was also hosted by the Irish Ambassador where I had the opportunity to meet with a wide selection of business people, Congressmen and other interested parties. Also while in the US, I had various press engagements including interviews with CNBC and Bloomberg.

In line with common practice, I do not propose to provide the names of individuals who attended various meetings or engagements. This could jeopardise potential investment and, for example, hamper the ability of organizations such as the IDA in developing confidential relationships with target companies. I was accompanied on the trip by my Department's Second Secretary with responsibility for Bank Restructuring, Assistant Secretary in charge Budget and Economic matters, Press Officer, and my Special Advisor and Private Secretary.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

96 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he will raise the issue of an interest rate reduction on the European sources of funding as part of the EU / IMF Programme with his Finance Minister colleagues in the EU; if the matter is still being dealt with at EU Finance Ministers level as opposed to Heads of State level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17169/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Euro Area Heads of State and Government agreed in principle to a reduction in the interest margin charged to programme countries. This has been applied to Greece and Portugal. However, a decision to apply it to Ireland's loans has not yet been taken. This is because another Member State is asking Ireland to deliver a quid pro quo in return for an interest rate reduction in the form of a change in our Corporation Tax. However, we have made it clear that we will not agree to this. Contacts on interest rates are continuing at official level. I have raised it at EU Finance Ministers meetings, and in bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts, most recently at the Luxembourg meetings of the Eurogroup/ECOFIN Council. Furthermore, this issue was raised in the recent contacts that the Taoiseach had with President Sarkozy on the margins of last week's European Council meeting. While recognizing that the European focus is on the difficulties currently facing Greece, this government will continue to avail of every suitable opportunity to press our case for an interest rate reduction.

Commercial Property Valuations

David Stanton

Ceist:

97 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date with the revaluation programme currently being carried out by the Valuation Office; when he expects the nationwide revaluation programme to be completed; when he expects commercial and industrial properties in the Cork City and county areas to be subject to revaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17176/11]

The Valuation Act 2001 which came into effect on 2nd May, 2002, provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property. The Commissioner of Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters under the Valuation Act 2001, which includes the implementation of the revaluation programme on a nationwide basis.

The revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to the areas covered by Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils. The revaluation of South Dublin was completed in December 2007, Fingal was completed in 2009 and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was completed in 2010. The revaluation of the Dublin City Council area commenced with the signing of the valuation order on 5th May, 2011. This will entail the valuation of circa 25,000 properties and the new list will be published in December 2013.

It is intended to roll out the programme to further local authority areas as soon as possible. The necessary process of consultation, as provided for under the Act, is under way with the local authorities of Waterford, i.e. Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Town Council. Preliminary work is also underway on the revaluation of Limerick City.

It is not possible to say at present when revaluation will commence in Cork City and County or when the national programme will be completed. A time frame of 10 years overall had been envisaged, but progress has been slower than expected, and the position has been complicated further by the difficult conditions in the property market in recent years. Nevertheless, the launch of the major project in Dublin City is a significant advance and the Commissioner has indicated that he is actively reviewing options which might hold potential for accelerating the delivery of the revaluation programme.

David Stanton

Ceist:

98 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in reviewing various provisions of the Valuation Act 2001 to achieve greater efficiencies in the valuation procedure; the progress made by the Commissioner of Valuation in reviewing options which might accelerate the delivery of the revaluation programme within a shorter timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17177/11]

The review work mentioned by the Deputy is continuing in my Department and the Valuation Office and is making progress. As previously mentioned, the Commissioner is actively reviewing options which might hold potential for accelerating the delivery of the revaluation programme within a shorter timeframe. As mentioned in answer to recent questions, in this context, my officials are reviewing various provisions of the Act to achieve greater efficiencies, including streamlining the appeals process.

Banks Recapitalisation

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

99 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any evidence, documentary or otherwise, that, from the time of the negotiation of the EU / IMF deal last November to date, the European Central Bank has threatened to cut off or reduce its emergency liquidity funding to Irish banks in the event of the Irish Government proceeding to impose losses on unguaranteed senior bonds without the express support of the ECB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17184/11]

At the outset I do not believe it is useful to characterise the intensive dialogue and engagement between the Irish authorities and its external partners, including the ECB, in the type of terms included in the Deputy's question. Inevitably the issues that we discuss with the troika relating to the design and implementation of the Programme of Financial Support are often complex and sometimes sensitive and difficult. However, notwithstanding the challenging nature of some of the negotiations we are involved in, we seek at all times to engage on a constructive and positive basis and that approach is reciprocated by the external parties. It is important to be clear that the very substantial liquidity support that we continue to receive from the Eurosystem has been crucial for the maintenance of the stability of our banking system and for allowing it to continue to meet the credit needs of the economy, businesses and households. It is also important to make the point that this funding is provided in accordance with the ECB's legal role, responsibility and mandate in respect of the eurozone.

The Deputy will recall that the ECB announced following the release of the results of the Central Bank's stress tests on the banks at the end of March that the basis on which it provides this funding — in other words how it regards and values the collateral it accepts — would not change even in the event of a downgrade by ratings agencies. This demonstrates the strong and positive commitment of the ECB to underpinning the funding position of the Irish banks.

As is well known the question of the scope for securing further burden sharing specifically and exclusively in respect of unguaranteed senior bonds in Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society has previously been the subject of discussions with the external authorities. I recently reiterated the Government's commitment to reviewing this matter afresh with the troika in view of the specific circumstances of those institutions and their future direction under the terms of the Programme agreement. However, I have also made very clear that no unilateral action is contemplated by Ireland and the issue can only be progressed on an agreed basis in the context of the ongoing review and assessment process with our partners on the Programme.

Tax Code

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

100 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance in relation to recent changes in VAT, specifically, if retailers who do not pass on the recently announced decrease in VAT will be penalised; the way he will police the change in VAT and ensure that any change is passed onto the customer. [17193/11]

As provided for in the Finance (No. 2) Act 2011, a second reduced VAT rate of 9% is to be introduced on a temporary basis in respect of certain services and goods mainly related to tourism for the period 1 July 2011 to end 2013. Specifically the 9% rate will apply to restaurant and catering services; hotel and holiday accommodation; various entertainment services such as admissions to cinemas, theatres, certain musical performances, museums, art gallery exhibitions and fairgrounds/amusement parks, the use of sporting facilities; hairdressing services; and printed matter such as brochures, maps, programmes, leaflets, catalogues, newspapers and magazines. In reducing the VAT burden on activities related to the tourism industry, this measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector.

In order for the measure to be successful it requires the reduction in VAT to be passed on to consumers through a reduction in prices in the tourism sector. With this in mind, the VAT change announced in the Jobs Initiative will be kept under review and evaluated before end 2012 in order to determine its effectiveness in aiding the industry. If it is shown that the VAT reduction has little or no effect in aiding the industry then the measure is open to being reformed or abolished.

I would point out that VAT is applied to particular goods and services and not in respect of individual retailers or firms. Consequently, allowing the VAT reduction to retailers who pass on the reduction but not allowing it to retailers that do not pass on the reduction is not possible under either EU or Irish VAT legislation. While it is expected that the reduction in VAT will be passed on to the customer, whether it is passed on is however a matter for individual retailers. The CSO published Consumer Price Index Detailed Sub-Indices will contain some information on price changes in various sectors e.g. the category headed "Restaurants and Hotels".

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

101 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if there has been any response from fund managers to the suggestion that they might absorb some or all of the cost of the recently imposed pension levy; if there has been no positive response the further action he is contemplating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17201/11]

The Deputy will be aware that earlier this month I had written to representative bodies of the pensions industry with whom I had met on the pension fund levy issue, outlining my contention that the cost of the levy be absorbed by a reduction in the fees and charges made by their members. I have received a response from one of the representative bodies concerned. The response indicates that the question of the absorption of the cost of the levy into existing fees and charges is a matter for individual companies in respect of the pension schemes and personal pension plans to which they provide services. The letter went on to say, however, that the scope for those companies to absorb the levy is extremely limited.

I will await developments in the coming months to see if, in fact, the pension fund administrators and providers have absorbed any of the pension fund levy this year. In the light of those developments, I would intend to pursue the matter further with them in the Autumn.

Appointments to State Boards

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

102 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed nominees of the Fiscal Advisory Council will have to go before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance for approval. [17204/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to a wide-ranging agenda of reform in relation to its budgetary architecture, including the establishment of a Fiscal Advisory Council. The commitment is set out both in the Programme for Government and the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. Details of the arrangements being put in place in relation to the Fiscal Advisory Council will be announced shortly. While the Council will be independent, it is envisaged that the Oireachtas will play an important role in relation to it. However, it is not envisaged that the initial nominees to the Council will go before the Joint Oireachtas Committee mentioned by the Deputy for approval.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

103 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17240/11]

Since 1 May 2011 a Cabinet Minister with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars on official business. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres [or 60,000 miles] per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984. The travel rates payable depend on the car engine size and are as follows since 5 March 2009;

Rates per Kilometre

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6,437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6,438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

Rates per Mile

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4,000 miles

62.94 cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles & over

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

Ministers including Ministers of State may appoint two civilian drivers the salaries for whom are paid by the Minister's respective Department. Ministers on official overnight business at least 48.23 kilometres away from their home or HQ may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax and up to 15% service charge. They may also claim an overnight subsistence allowance of €72.66 i.e. half the civil service Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third. Ministers are not paid overnights for their attendance at their departments.

Ministers may also be entitled to civil service day subsistence rates where they are on official business at least 5 kilometres away from their home or HQ for at least 5 or 10 hours. Again Ministers do not receive such subsistence rates for attendance at their departments. The current rates are €33.62 for the 10 hour rate and €13.71 for the 5 hour rate.

Where Ministers travel abroad including Northern Ireland they may claim for the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the civil service Class A conference rate for the location increased by one third with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half. There are different rates depending on the location. There are no other allowances currently payable in respect of Ministers and Ministers of State in my Department.

Credit Availability

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

104 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of any possible sources of loan finance from European sources including the European Investment Bank in respect of small and medium enterprises here wishing to undertake business expansion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17303/11]

In relation to the general question of access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), I am very conscious of the difficulties that are being faced by Irish businesses in this regard. Support for the investments of SMEs is an operational priority for the European Investment Bank (EIB). To that end, the EIB signed loan agreements in 2009 with AIB and Bank of Ireland for €100 million each and with Ulster Bank for €60 million for onlending to SMEs for investment purposes. I understand that AIB have fully allocated their funding and were approved for a further tranche of up to €150 million in November 2010.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) provides venture capital for small businesses via venture capital funds and business incubators that support SMEs, as well as guarantees to financial institutions such as banks to cover their SME loans and guarantees.

In relation to Structural Funds, under EU Cohesion Policy 2007-13, the European Commission has a number of joint initiatives with the EIB and EIF aimed at improving access to finance using financial engineering instruments. One of these instruments, JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises), promotes SME access to finance in that national and regional authorities can opt to deploy money made available by the ERDF in the form of market-driven financial instruments, instead of offering grants.

When Ireland's ERDF Structural Programmes 2007-13 were being developed, the JEREMIE programme was examined in the context of the existing arrangements in place to assist SMEs in accessing appropriate financial support. Given the nature and structure of the JEREMIE programme, particularly in terms of the scale of operations that would be required to secure European Investment Fund participation, it was not considered suited to our Structural Funds programmes. This will be looked at again in the context of the next round of structuralfunding.

The only source of loan finance co-funded by the EU in the Regional Operational Programmes is in the Microenterprises sub-priority. In this measure, County Enterprise Boards provide grant assistance to microenterprises. Some of this assistance can be in the form of a repayable loan which generates a revolving fund at the level of each County Enterprise Board. This is targeted at microenterprises, i.e., businesses with up to 10 employees and/or a turnover of less than €500,000. No other loan funds are provided in the Regional Operational Programmes.

A SME Guarantee Facility is available under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) 2007-2013 which provides additional guarantees to guarantee schemes, in order to increase the supply of debt finance to SMEs. It concentrates on addressing market failures in areas such as access to loans (or loan substitutes such as leasing) by SMEs with growth potential, provision of microcredit, and securitisation.

The European Commission provides information on funding for SMEs on the European Small Business Portal which can be accessed at the following web address: http://ec.europa.eu/small-business/funding-partners-public/finance/index_en.htm. In addition, the website of the Enterprise Europe Network provide information on both national and EU financial supports http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

105 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated impact of the pension levy on pension funds here including, but not limited to, future average worker contributions. [17311/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

106 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance his views that the proposed pension levy will lead to lower investments in pensions thus further exacerbating the pensions time-bomb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17312/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

I cannot say what impact the pension fund levy will have on individual funds or schemes, as this depends on whether and to what extent pension fund trustees and Life Offices decide to pass on the levy to individual members, given the particular circumstances of the pension funds or pension plans that they are responsible for. In that regard, I take the view that there is scope for the pensions industry to absorb the impact of the levy from fee income and charges and I have written to them in that regard.

There are a number of factors influencing the decisions of individuals in relation to investments in pensions. Affordability would be among such considerations for some and the tax treatment of pension saving would be another. As regards the pension fund levy, I have consistently made the point that the 0.6% stamp duty on pension fund assets is a temporary measure to pay for the Jobs Initiative and will only be in place for the period of the Initiative.

Arguably, the tax relief on pension contributions is a more relevant consideration in terms of long-term saving for supplementary pension provision. I am sure the Deputy is aware, as I am, that the pension fund levy comes at a time when the gradual reduction from marginal to standard rate tax relief on pension contributions forms part of the fiscal consolidation measures in the agreement with the EU Commission, IMF and the ECB over the period 2011 to 2014. When introducing the Jobs Initiative on 10 May last, I gave a commitment to examine this issue.

The Government has initiated a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in order to provide it with a set of decision options to meet the overall fiscal consolidation objectives and re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities.

The Review is due to be completed by end September 2011. The Government will then examine the findings and, in consultation with the EU, IMF and ECB, will introduce fiscally neutral changes to the detail of the EU /IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland while maintaining the overall commitment to fiscal consolidation. I have undertaken to examine the scope for any change to the proposed standard rating of tax relief on pension contributions in that context.

Job Creation

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

107 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the forecast number of jobs to be created in the next one, two and five years resulting from the jobs initiative, broken down by all categories available part-time, full-time, seasonal, by sector and by location. [17313/11]

As I said at the time, the measures announced in the Jobs Initiative represent the first steps by this government to increase competitiveness in important sectors in the economy and to improve the functioning of our labour market. As the Deputy will appreciate, given the high level of uncertainty that continues to surround the outlook, it is very difficult to quantify the exact number of jobs that the Initiative will create. From a sectoral perspective, the measures will help to support employment throughout the economy. In the labour intensive tourism sector, for example, the introduction of a temporary second reduced rate of VAT and reduction of the air travel tax to zero will have a positive impact on both costs and sentiment. In the construction sector there will be an increased focus on capital works which tend to be more labour intensive. More generally, the decision to halve the lower rate of PRSI until the end of 2013 on jobs that pay up to €356 per week will help to create and maintain jobs in the lower paid sectors of the economy.

The following table outlines my Department's latest employment forecasts which were set out in the Irish Stability Programme Update published at end-April. Given that recovery in the labour market tends to lag that in the overall economy, a further decline in net employment is anticipated this year. This is borne out in recently published data, which show that net employment creation continued to decline in the first quarter of the year, but it did so at its slowest pace for three years.

The economy should start to create net jobs once again in 2012, and the pace of employment growth should strengthen in subsequent years as the economic recovery strengthens and broadens out. Over the period 2012 to 2015 as a whole around 100,000 net jobs are expected to be created.

Table — Employment forecasts, 2011 to 2015

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Employment

1,848

1,819

1,828

1,850

1,882

1,921

Level change

-81

-29

+9

+22

+32

+39

Percentage change

-4.2

-1.6

+0.5

+1.2

+1.8

+2.0

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

108 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the level and type of insurance, for example, credit default swaps for 100% of the bond value which the current holders of senior unguaranteed bonds in the covered Irish banks have in relation to these bonds. [17314/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

109 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the persons who own the circa €35bn in unguaranteed senior debt in the six covered Irish financial institutions which are still outstanding [17315/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

As I informed this House last week, when a bank issues a bond, whether by private placement or public issue, it would be usual practice for a securities depository company, such as Clearstream and Euroclear, to purchase the bond on behalf of their customers. The bond issuer will likely have little knowledge of the original owners of the bonds; also these initial investors may over time sell the bonds to other investors.

Securities depository companies usually manage, safekeep and administer the securities that it holds on behalf of the purchasers of the bonds and the identity of the purchasers of the bonds is not disclosed in the public domain or to the issuer. As the identity of the purchasers of the bonds are not in the public domain, I cannot advise the Deputy the level and type of insurance these bondholders have.

Bilateral Loan Facilities

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

110 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the conditions attached to each of the multi-billion euro bilateral loan from the UK, Sweden and Denmark, including the interest rates. [17316/11]

The bilateral loan element of the EU-IMF programme of financial support will be provided by three EU Member States — the United Kingdom providing approximately €3.8 billion, Sweden €0.6 billion and Denmark €0.4 billion. All bilateral loans will be provided subject to the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the EU/ECB/IMF. At this point, no funds have yet been drawn down under the bilateral loan facilities with UK, Sweden and Denmark.

The UK facility was signed in December 2010. The interest rate on the amounts drawn down will be based on the Sterling Pound mid-market semi-annual swap rate at the time of drawdown plus a margin of 2.29%. At the time that the UK loan facility agreement was signed the overall interest cost was calculated at about 5.9%, similar to the blended rate calculated by the EU Commission at that time. As with all of the loans, the actual rate will depend on the market rates prevailing at the time of disbursement.

In relation to the Danish and Swedish loan facilities, these have not yet been signed but are near completion. The interest rate on each will be based on the 3-month Euribor interest rate, a market reference rate of good standing, plus a margin yet to be agreed.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

111 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the dates of maturity for the various tranches of bonds, grouped by maturity date, outstanding in each of the six covered Irish financial institutions; the total euro amounts due to be repaid at each maturity date by each covered institution; the interest rate currently being paid on each of these tranches of bonds by each bank; and the owners of each of these tranches, for example (details supplied). [17317/11]

The Central Bank of Ireland has advised me that the dates of maturity and the total aggregate amounts for secured, unsecured and subordinated debt due to be repaid by the covered institutions is as follows:

Year of Maturity

Amounts €m

2011

7,029

2012

13,062

2013

15,706

2014

3,721

2015

10,742

2016

438

2017

2,291

2018

458

2019

1,211

2020

1,197

2021 +

5,769

Total

61,625

My Department will contact the Deputy very shortly in response to his request for this information. I understand that the six covered institutions have in excess of 200 bonds outstanding which would be encompassed by this request. These are denominated in a number of different currencies, in addition to the euro, have various maturity dates extending in some cases beyond the next ten years and have both fixed and floating interest rates. Owing to the format in which information on these bonds is available to my Department, it will not be possible to present the information in the precise terms requested by the Deputy. However, I can assure the Deputy that the Department will seek to provide as comprehensive a response as possible.

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

112 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is appropriate for his officials to withhold information sought through committees and parliamentary questions which are not commercially sensitive on the basis that they do not pertain to his existing policy. [17318/11]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 91 answered on 1 June 2011. At the outset let me say that the reply given to the Deputy's question on 1 June was given by me and not my Officials.

As far as my Officials attendance at Parliamentary Committees is concerned, let me assure the Deputy that it is not official policy to withhold information. I will repeat what I said in my reply to the Deputy on 1 June last: there will be no increase in the corporate tax rate and in the circumstances it is not plausible to speculate on any possible increase under any circumstances, CCCTB or otherwise.

Public Private Partnerships

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

113 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there needs to be more transparency in the public and private partnership negotiations, in particular, publication of the forecast profit that the private partner will earn from each venture or project, for example measured by total net or gross profit, internal rate of return, net present value or return on invested capital. [17319/11]

The overriding concern for state procuring authorities in all contract negotiations is to ensure value for money and these procurements are conducted strictly under EU procurement directives and regulations. The state does not enter into PPPs unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they provide value for money and there are a number of specific tests throughout the procurement and tender negotiation processes to ensure that best value is derived for the state. Details of the timing and content of these value for money tests are set out in the various PPP guidance issued by the Department of Finance which are available on www.ppp.gov.ie. A key factor for the state is not to lose advantage in its attempt to try to negotiate the best deal for the State — both in terms of costs and innovation. The current PPP disclosure framework reflects international norms.

The Deputy's proposal is well intentioned but in practical terms it raises a number of issues, for example, with respect to commercial sensitivities and may serve to lessen international interest in domestic PPP projects when in reality we would like to see as much interest as possible.

I would emphasise that in PPPs, any forecast profit is fully at risk depending on the performance of the private partner over the full life of the contract, which is normally 25 years after construction. This performance conditionality — which is particular to PPPs — puts the payments to private partner at risk, if the contracted standards are not met. In PPPs, there is significant risk transfer from the State to the private sector.

Moreover, if certain performance standards are not met, the contract can be terminated by the State. The forecast profit is just that — a forecast — and does not take account of which risks, borne by the private sector, will materialise. It is also important to recognise that the value can only be assessed over the full contract period, which can be up to 30 years.

Departmental Schemes

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

114 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance when he will sign the commencement order for section 3 of the Finance Act 2011 to commence the relief scheme for retrofitting insulation. [17320/11]

I assume the Deputy is referring to Section 13 of Finance Act 2011, which provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.

As part of the announcement in the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and following this review, I have decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.

Professional Fees

John Lyons

Ceist:

115 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the issue of excessive professional fees in sheltered sectors of the economy; the timeline he envisages for addressing these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/11]

The Government is committed to improving the competitiveness of the economy. In this regard the Government in the EU/IMF Programme is removing restrictions as follows:

in the legal profession, establishing an independent regulator for the profession and implementing recommendations of the Legal Costs Working Group and outstanding Competition Authority recommendations to reduce legal costs.

in medical services, eliminating restrictions on the number of GPs qualifying and removing restrictions on GPs wishing to treat public patients as well as restrictions on advertising.

in the pharmacy profession, ensuring that the recent elimination of the 50% mark-up paid for medicines under the State's Drugs Payments Scheme is enforced.

The implementation of these commitments are matters for the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Health respectively in the first instance.

Flood Relief

Anne Ferris

Ceist:

116 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance when funding will be authorised in respect of the Dargle flood protection scheme in Bray in view of the fact that all design, technical and tendering processes have been completed and the importance that this project be started this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/11]

The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking a review of its capital expenditure profile to 2016 in light of the Government's intention to prepare a new capital investment framework over this period in order to identify projects that will best support economic recovery. A decision on the provision of funding for the Bray flood relief scheme will be made following the completion of this review.

Departmental Staff

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

117 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance the gross salaries in respect of the individual Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries General respectively in each Government Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/11]

Following the Government Decision (S180/20/10/1333) to cap the salaries of senior public servants and CEOs of commercial State companies, Secretaries General of Government Departments have agreed to reduce their salaries to €200,000 by voluntarily waiving a portion of their salary. The current rates of pay in respect of Secretaries General in each Government Department are set out in the table below.

Secretaries General

Level

Post

Current Salary

Voluntary Waiver

I

Government and Taoiseach

€228,466

€28,466

Finance

€228,466

€28,466

II

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

€215,590

€15,590

Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

€215,590

€15,590

Education and Skills

€215,590

€15,590

Environment, Community and Local Government

€215,590

€15,590

Foreign Affairs

€215,590

€15,590

Health

€215,590

€15,590

Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

€215,590

€15,590

Justice and Equality

€215,590

€15,590

Public Expenditure and Reform

€200,000

Social Protection

€215,590

€15,590

Transport, Tourism and Sport

€215,590

€15,590

III

Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht

€188,640

Defence

€188,640

Children and Youth Affairs*

€180,000

*To be appointed

The rates of pay for all Assistant Secretaries are set out in the following table.

Assistant Secretary

Point

Non-PPC

PPC

1

€127,796

€134,523

2

€133,605

€140,636

3

€139,898

€147,262

4

€146,191

€153,885

Heritage Sites

Niall Collins

Ceist:

118 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will agree to opening the Desmond Castle in Newcastle West, County Limerick, to the local community for use; if he will report on his consultations, if any, that he has had with members of the local community regarding the use of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17352/11]

I attended a meeting recently with officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) and representatives of the Newcastle West community. Desmond Castle, Newcastle West, has been available to groups for the holding of events subject to OPW resources being available to open the site outside of normal opening times. It was agreed that liaison persons in OPW and the group would deal with requests for use of the site for appropriate events. OPW made it clear that visits by school groups outside of the normal open season will always be accommodated. Desmond Castle has been a venue for poetry readings, musical and drama events in the past number of years. OPW is anxious, subject to resources being available, to continue this association with the local community.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

119 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the total number of applications (details supplied) received by the Revenue Commissioners, total value, range in amounts, split between number private, public sector and self employed. [17356/11]

The total number of Personal Fund Threshold applications received to date is 1,200. The majority of these were received in the first week in June and as each case has to be examined individually to ascertain the correct PFT amount, the information requested in relation to all the applications is not available at this stage. Revenue officials are working through the applications in order of receipt and to date 363 certificates have been issued with a total value of €1,164,746,570.63.

Of the 363 certificates issued to date:

192 have a value between €2.3 and €3 million.

113 have a value between €3 and €4 million.

58 have a value between €4 and €5.418 million.

The split between sectors is as follows:

Private sector 296

Public sector (including semi-state) 59

Self-employed 8

Of the 59 public sector cases, one third also includes self-employed/private practice pension funds.

Seventeen certificates have been issued for the maximum amount, i.e. €5.418 million; these are all private sector. The average value of the issued PFT certificates is €3.2 million.

Pension Provisions

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

120 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the number of Secretaries General who continue to benefit from added years as applied by the top-level appointments committee and the details of the number of added years for each relevant Secretary General. [17375/11]

Secretaries General may, subject to Government decision, benefit from added years at the conclusion of their period of service, under the provisions of sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963. The number of added years cannot exceed the lesser of 10 years, or the number of extra years he or she would have served if he or she had been allowed to serve to age 65, subject to an overall maximum of 40 years' service. The relevant data requested by the Deputy on retired Secretaries General who are currently on pension is being collated and will be furnished to the Deputy as soon as possible.

I should add that as part of the drive to reduce the costs of Public Service pensions, the Government will shortly publish legislation for the introduction of a new single pension scheme for all new entrants to the Public Service. This reform is part of the programme of measures agreed with the EU/IMF and must be legislated for by the end of September, 2011. This new scheme will not provide for added years in the future.

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

121 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [17376/11]

Because of the volume of grades within the civil service, comprising general service grades, grades common to two or more Departments and grades specific to one Department/Office only, it is not practical to list each of the grades, and relevant pay scales in my reply. I am confining my reply to some of the most common grades. Copies of pay circulars are published on the Departmental website http://per.gov.ie/. Details of other grades, not specified in circulars, can be obtained from Conciliation and Arbitration section, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Examples of some of the most common grades and salary scales are set out below:

General Service grades 30th January 2008

Grade

Salary scale 1Min-max

Salary scale (ppc) 2Min-max

Number of points on scale 3

Principal (higher)

€85,957-€105,429

€90,355-€110,844

7

Principal

€80,051-€98,424

€84,132-€103,472

7

Assistant Principal (higher)

€67.913-€84,296

€71,359-€88,598

8

Assistant Principal

€61,996-€76,768

€65,185-€80,678

8

Administrative Officer (higher)

€40,734-€57,251

€42,838-€60,224

8

Administrative Officer

€31,619-€55,415

€33,247-€58,294

10

Higher Executive Officer (higher)

€46,426-€57,251

€48,831-€60,224

9

Higher Executive Officer

€43,816-€55,415

€46,081-€58,294

9

Executive Officer (higher)

€29,024-€47,379

€30,516-€49,837

14

Executive Officer

€29,024-€45,616

€30,516-€47,975

12

Staff Officer

€33,070-€43,906

€34,771-€46,171

10

Clerical Officer (higher)

€23,042-€36,267

€24,255-€38,135

14

Clerical Officer

€22,015-€35,515

€23,177-€37,341

14

Head Services Officer

€27,980-€34,954

€29,428-€36,754

8

Services Officer

€20,806-€27,739

€21,732-€29,181

9

Services Attendant

€20,806-€27,376

€21,732-€28,808

9

Certain professional and technical grades common to two or more Departments

Grade

Salary scale 1Min-max

Salary scale (ppc) 2Min-max

Number of points on scale 3

Engineer Grade I

€65,247-€80,814

€68,553-€84,935

8

Engineer Grade II

€55,863-€69,132

€58,765-€72,642

10

Engineer Grade III

€30,738-€59,604

€32,317-€62,701

15

Professional Accountant Grade I

€65,247-€80,814

€68,553-€84,935

8

Professional Accountant Grade II

€55,863-€69,132

€58,765-€72,642

10

Professional Accountant Grade III

€30,738-€59,604

€32,317-€62,701

15

Higher Legal Executive

€43,816-€55,415

€46,081-€58,294

9

Legal Executive

€33,070-€43,906

€34,771-€46,171

10

Senior Engineering Draughtsperson

€36,564-€44,547

€38,451-€46,853

9

Engineering Draughtsperson

€27,578-€40,209

€29,018-€42,287

13

Senior Architect

€59,719-€80,814

€62,832-€84,935

8

Architect

€35,698-€63,329

€37,532-€66,585

15

Architectural Assistant Grade II

€27,578-€40,209

€29,018-€42,287

13

Senior Laboratory Analyst

€45,489-€61,136

€47,842-€64,315

9

Laboratory Analyst

€32,780-€50,570

€34,463-€53,194

14

1 Salary scales in respect of pre 6th April 1995 established serving staff paying the modified rate of PRSI e.g. Class B, and all unestablished staff.

2 Salary scales in respect of established officers appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits. These scales are 1/19th higher that the corresponding pre-1995 scales.

3 Scales indicated include long service increments where applicable, the first being payable after 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum and the second after 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

Questions Nos. 122 to 126, inclusive, answered with Question No. 84.

Employment Control Frameworks

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

127 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provideeach detailed Departmental Employment Control Framework up to and including 2014. [17382/11]

The table below sets out the end-2011 Employment Control Frameworks for all Government Departments and Offices as determined in December 2010. These figures will fall to be revised for a number of technical reasons as well as to reflect Transfers of Functions and the creation of new Departments. As soon as this information is available full details (out to 2014) will be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Departmental Employment Control Frameworks

2011 ECF

Department/Office

36,197

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

3,608

ATTORNEY GENERAL

145

CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE

850

CHIEF STATE SOLICITOR

225

CPSA

8

COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY AND NAT. RESOURCES

257

COMMUNITY, EQUALITY AND GAELTACHT AFFAIRS

362

COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL

152

COURTS SERVICE

972

DEFENCE

369

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

195

EDUCATION GROUP

1,603

ENTERPRISE GROUP

853

ENVIRONMENT HERITAGE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1,140

FINANCE

545

FOREIGN AFFAIRS GROUP

1,436

GARDA CIVILIANS

2,027

HEALTH AND CHILDREN

465

JUSTICE AND LAW REFORM

2,118

NATIONAL GALLERY

116

OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

1,857

OIREACHTAS

457

OMBUDSMAN

89

PRESIDENTS ESTABLISHMENT

21

PRISONS

3,607

PROPERTY REGISTRATION AUTHORITY

573

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE

93

REVENUE COMMISSIONERS

5,952

REVENUE APPEALS

4

SOCIAL PROTECTION

4,973

STATE LABORATORY

91

TAOISEACH

194

TOURISM, CULTURE AND SPORT

146

TRANSPORT

468

VALUATION OFFICE

146

TECHNICAL STAFF ADJUSTMENTS, VARIOUS

80

Questions Nos. 128 and 129 answered with Question No. 84.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

130 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the new skills and talent he has brought into his Department as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17386/11]

Mr. John Moran, who is on secondment to the Department from the Central Bank of Ireland, has been assigned to oversee the recently announced restructuring of the banking sector and associated issues. He leads the relevant team within the Department and reports directly to the Secretary General. Over time, a number of specialist staff have been recruited to supplement the in-house expertise of the Department in banking matters and I anticipate that more such staff will be required.

The Report of the Independent Review Group on "Strengthening the Capacity of the Department of Finance" has provided the Department with the opportunity to strengthen its core functions, to address organisational structures, to upgrade its budgetary and other processes and to increase staff with specialist economic and other disciplines, especially banking and financial markets.

I will therefore continue to review and add, where appropriate, to the banking and financial services expertise within the Department.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 84.

Ministerial Appointments

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

132 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance when the Top Level Appointments Commission’s new external chairperson and five external appointees will be appointed and if he will provide details of any further changes to TLAC he intends to preside over. [17393/11]

My colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be approaching prospective candidates this week and hopes to be in a position to announce the names of the five external appointees next week.

Questions Nos. 133 and 134 answered with Question No. 84.

Departmental Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

135 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he has instigated a Government-wide review to identify and eliminate non-priority programmes; and the date by which he hopes to conclude the review. [17396/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

146 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he has instructed each Government Department to include an ex-ante evaluation in its comprehensive spending review acknowledging that he has already made reference to a root and branch evaluation but noting this question asks specifically if an ex-ante evaluation of departmental spending for 2012 has been requested by him. [17409/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

147 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if, following completion of the comprehensive spending review and implementation of Budget 2012, he plans to instruct Government Departments to provide ongoing evaluations of annual spending and if so, the frequency of same. [17410/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

148 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if, following completion of the comprehensive spending review and implementation of Budget 2012, he intends to instruct Government Departments to provide ex-post evaluations of annual spending. [17411/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 146 to 148, inclusive, together.

The Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) process was formally initiated by my colleague Mr. Brendan Howlin, T.D. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in early May. The objectives of the review are to provide the Government with a full set of decision options to meet the overall fiscal consolidation objectives, both as regards spending and numbers reduction targets, to re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities and to consider new ways of achieving Government objectives in the context of public sector reform. Ministers and Departments have the responsibility to evaluate every budgetary programme for which they are responsible, within both Departments and Agencies. The review is expected to be completed before the end of September, at which point the results of the process will be brought to Government for assessment as part of the Budget and Estimates process.

On the broader point of expenditure evaluation, the CRE should be seen as part of a number of reforms designed to bring greater rigour to the allocation of scarce public resources and complement existing value for money arrangements. In the past, our systems of resource allocation have been too focused on raw financial inputs, without enough regard to what is actually being produced. It is necessary now to consider in greater the detail the actual outputs delivered from public expenditure and the impacts that this spending has. As a first step in this process a pilot project has been undertaken as part of the 2011 Estimates which brings a greater focus on the link between the objectives, financial inputs, physical outputs and ultimate impacts of public spending programmes. It is intended that this performance budgeting process be further rolled out as part of the 2012 Estimates process.

These reforms complement the existing value for money architecture which includes ongoing evaluations of departmental expenditure. The Value for Money and Policy Review initiative was launched in 2006, building on the Expenditure Review Initiative introduced in 1997. The initiative focuses on evaluations of significant areas of expenditure and major policy issues. To date, close to 200 such reviews have been carried out. Under existing arrangements, there is a particular focus on the four major areas of expenditure: namely the Health, Education, Social Protection and Justice sectors. These four sectors conduct one review per year, while all other line Departments plus the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of Public Works are required to carry out 2 reviews each in a three year period.

Minister Howlin and his new Department will be reviewing the effectiveness of these arrangements, to ensure that a proper culture of rigorous evaluation and value-for-money is delivered across the public service. This evaluation culture should encompass all stages of programme design and delivery, from ex-ante through to ex-post ; and should apply across all types of expenditure programmes, covering current as well as capital.

Proposed Legislation

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

136 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance when he plans to establish the social impact bonds and if he will outline the method by which he intends to share audited Exchequer savings with charitable and voluntary organisations. [17399/11]

The Government Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016 provides that the Government will establish a new model of financing social interventions called Social Impact Bonds that share audited Exchequer savings with charitable and voluntary organisations. The Government will consider how best to establish this new and innovative mechanism and will bring forward proposals in due course.

Questions Nos. 137 to 144, inclusive, answered with Question No. 84.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

145 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [17408/11]

Details in respect of staff numbers and the annual pay bill in respect of my Department and the Finance Group of votes are contained in the book of Estimates which is published on an annual basis.

The National Treasury Management Agency have provided me with the following information in relation to both itself and the Bodies under its remit.

The staff numbers in the National Treasury Management Agency rose from 169 at end-2009 to 306 at end-2010. The number of staff employed currently is 357. The increase in staff numbers over the last 18 months is mainly in respect of the National Asset Management Agency.

NTMA Staffing June 2011

Function

Numbers

Funding & Debt Management

12

Banking Unit

8

State Claims Agency

57

National Pensions Reserve Fund

13

National Development Finance Agency

38

National Asset Management Agency

145

Finance, IT and Risk

51

HR and Corporate Services

7

Legal, Control and Compliance

14

Other

12

Total

357

The National Asset Management Agency's shared services (Finance, HR, IT etc) provide support to all of the Agency's business functions and have recruited additional staff resources in the last year to support the National Asset Management Agency.

The National Treasury Management Agency does not have general pay grades. Staff members are employed on the basis of individually negotiated contracts to provide the various technical and professional skill sets necessary for the National Treasury Management Agency to deliver on its statutory remit.

Each business unit and corporate function within the National Treasury Management Agency is headed by a Director or Head of Function. Specific roles within the business units / corporate functions include the following

1. Funding and Debt Management: Traders, Treasury Managers, Economist and Debt Analysts.

2. Banking Unit: Bank Analysts and Operations Manager.

3. State Claims Agency: Claims Managers, Clinical Claims Managers, Solicitors, Risk Managers and Clinical Risk Advisors.

4. National Pensions Reserve Fund: Investment Analysts, Risk Analysts and Actuary.

5. National Development Finance Agency: Project Managers, Contracts Manager, Financial Analysts and Operations Manager.

6. National Asset Management Agency: Risk Managers, Risk Analysts, Credit Managers, Credit Analysts, Insolvency Advisors, Corporate Finance Manager, Lending Managers, Lending Analysts, Portfolio Asset Managers, Treasury Managers, Treasury Analysts, Financial Analysts, Business Analysts/Project Managers, Solicitors, Business Process Advisor.

7. Finance, IT and Risk: Financial Controller, Financial Accountants, Fund Administrators, Treasury Manager, IT Managers / Engineers / Analysts and Risk Managers.

8. HR and Corporate Services: HR Manager, HR Executive and Facilities Manager.

9. Legal, Control and Compliance: Solicitors, Compliance Manager, Procurement Manager and Internal Auditors.

There is also a small number of administrative and other support staff employed across the National Treasury Management Agency.

In relation to the corporate governance of the National Treasury Management Agency and associated agencies, the following Boards and Committees are in place:

1. NTMA Advisory Committee (7 members): The Chairman receives a fee of €50,000 with each member receiving €25,000 per annum. During 2010 members of the NTMA Advisory Committee either gifted 10% of their remuneration back to the Minister for Finance or had the Public Service Pension Related Deduction applied to their fee. The Secretary General of the Department of Finance, appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee in that capacity, does not receive a fee in respect of his membership.

2. State Claims Policy Committee (7 members): The Chairman receives a fee of €13,713 with each member receiving €9,142 per annum. These fees take into account a 10% reduction agreed by the members in 2009, at the request of the Minister for Finance. Two members of the Committee, appointed in their capacity as civil servants, do not receive fees in respect of their membership.

3. National Development Finance Agency Board (8 members): Each Board member receives a fee of €12,600 per annum. These fees take into account a 10% reduction agreed by the members in 2009, at the request of the Minister for Finance. The Chief Executive of the National Treasury Management Agency who is ex officio Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Development Finance Agency, who is an ex officio member of the Board, do not receive fees in respect of their membership.

4. National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission (7 members): The Chairman receives a fee of €51,424 and each member receives €34,283 per annum. These fees take into account a 10% reduction agreed by the members in 2009, at the request of the Minister for Finance. The Chief Executive of the National Treasury Management Agency who is an ex officio member of the Commission does not receive any fee in respect of his membership.

5. National Asset Management Agency Board (9 members): The Chairman receives a fee of €150,000, six members receive fees of €60,000 each per annum while one member (also Chairman of the Credit Committee) receives a fee of €75,000 per annum. Each member of the National Asset Management Agency Board also chairs or is a member of various National Asset Management Agency Board committees. Their fees associated with these committees are included in the above.

The Chief Executive of the National Treasury Management Agency and the Chief Executive Officer of National Asset Management Agency, who are ex-officio members of the Board, do not receive any fees in respect of their membership.

In addition, 5 persons, who are not members of the National Asset Management Agency Board, sit on Board committees. Four of these external persons receive fees of €1,000 per meeting with a maximum of 5 meetings per annum with the fifth person (member of Audit Committee) receiving a fee of €10,000 per annum.

Total salary costs for the National Treasury Management Agency in 2010 were €30.5 million including pension contributions.

The National Treasury Management Agency received funding from the Central Fund totalling €42.5m in 2010. However due to the recovery of operating costs from National Asset Management Agency and the Covered Credit Institutions in respect of 2010 (which is refundable to the Central Fund), the net cost to the Central Fund for the National Treasury Management Agency, on an accruals basis, in 2010 was €34.0m.

Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, answered with Question No. 135.

Departmental Properties

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

149 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide each and every rental saving achieved by the Office of Public Works as referred to at page 11 of the First Progress Report of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 together with details of the amount of all one off costs and expenses associated with each rental saving listing the name of the property, the rental saving in respect of that property, the costs and expenses in connection therewith and the replacement properties used or required in each case in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/11]

In 2010 the Office of Public Works surrendered office accommodation yielding a rental saving of €8.75m per annum. The leases concerned are scheduled in the following table:

PROPERTY

RENT € PER ANNUM

NEW REPLACEMENT REQUIRED

COMMENTS

ACHILL GAELTACHT AFFAIRS

2,679

NO

ARKLOW NORTH QUAY

9,523

NO

ATHLONE OPW STORE

6,400

NO

ATHLONE PROBATION SERVICE

110,472

Moved into leased building — see comments in following table.

ATHLONE PROBATION CAR PARK

3,360

Moved into leased building — see comments in following table.

BANDON WEIR ST DESMOND

13,967

BUNBEG TEMP GARDA STATION

6,674

NO

BUNCRANA SWO ST MARYS ROAD

34,000

Moved to Decentralised office

CASTLEREA THE SQUARE AHGI

6,603

NO

CAVAN TEMP DSFA OFFICE

60,000

NO

CLANWILLIAM COURT BLK1 F3/4

480,000

NO

CLARE ST 22-25

670,375

Building Purchased — See Comments in following table

CLONDALKIN MONASTERY ROAD

570,000

Moved to Decentralised office in Longford — Negotiated buy-out of Lease — See Comments in following table

DUNDALK EARL HOUSE

177,763

NO

GALWAY HIBERNIAN HOUSE FLR1

27,299

Moved to regional leased office in Fairgreen, Galway — see following table

GALWAY HIBERNIAN HOUSE FLR 1

31,696

Moved to regional leased office in Fairgreen, Galway — see following table

GALWAY HIBERNIAN HOUSE FLR 2

54,281

Moved to regional leased office in Fairgreen, Galway — see following table

GALWAY HIBERNIAN HOUSE FLR 3/4

150,375

Moved to regional leased office in Fairgreen, Galway — see following table

GALWAY ROSS HOUSE FLR 3

81,281

NO

GRAND CANAL ST LR 1

1,995,000

NO

HARCOURT ST 71

200,000

NO

HARCOURT ST 72-74

1,419,143

NO

IRISH LIFE BLOCKS 4/5

273,000

NO

KILLARNEY BOWLERS GARAGE

9,100

Moved to Decentralised office

KILLARNEY SWLO

18,000

NO

LE POLE HOUSE

306,759

NO

LETTERKENNY NEPS TEMP OFFICE

6,896

NO

LONGFORD VRT

12,825

NO

LYON/FINDLATER HOUSE FLR 1&2

533,290

NO

LYON/FINDLATER HOUSE FLR5

7,618

NO

MALLOW O’BRIEN ST 25

32,000

NO

MAYNOOTH BUSINESS CAMPUS

940,626

NO

Negotiated buy-out of Lease — See Comments in following table

MERRION SQ 24 THE MEWS

68,210

Moved to Decentralised office in Portlaoise

MET EIREANN CORK AIRPORT

1,944

NO

NAVAN VRO CAR PARK

4,680

NO

SCURLOCKSTOWN UNIT 1

67,752

Moved to Decentralised office

SLIGO BRIDGE STREET 2

32,000

NO

SLIGO CUSTOM HSE QUAY VRT

15,000

NO

SLIGO WESTWARD TOWN CENTRE

34,753

NO

Negotiated buy-out of Lease — See Comments in following table

SUN ALLIANCE HOUSE UNITS 10-11 (part surrender)

161,000

NO

Negotiated buy-out of Lease — See Comments in following table

WEXFORD TEMP DECENT OFFICE 1

75,000

Moved to Decentralised office

WEXFORD TEMP DECENT OFFICE 2

33,336

Moved to Decentralised office

The following table lists the financial values pertinent to lease buy-outs; building acquisition and move to alternative leased building:

Premises

Cost of Lease Buy-Out (unless otherwise stated) €

Rental Savings Arising (based on remaining lease term) €

ATHLONE PROBATION SERVICE

113, 832 (previous rent)

86, 298 (new rent)

** CLARE ST 22-25

5,650,000 (purchase amount)

3,073,000

CLONDALKIN MONASTERY ROAD

1,447,270

9,025,000

MAYNOOTH BUSINESS CAMPUS

1,185,678

1,250,106

SLIGO WESTWARD TOWN CENTRE

100,000

101,150

SUN ALLIANCE HOUSE UNITS 10-11(part surrender)

555,000

936,000

GALWAY HIBERNIAN HOUSE

263,651 (previous rent)

371,439 (new rent)

TOTAL

9,315,431

14,842,293

The cost of dilapidation associated with the lease buy-outs amounted to €2,641,187. While the saving in the previous table is of the order of €5.5m.

** 22-25 Clare Street was purchased at a very favourable price in December 2010.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

150 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide each and every procurement savings achieved by the Office of Public Works as referred to at page 11 of the First Progress Report of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/11]

In 2010, the National Procurement Service secured savings of €8.8 million under the 2009 Expenditure Reduction Initiative. This was achieved by requesting Public Bodies to negotiate a reduction of up to 8% on all contracts for goods and services above €100k and where legally feasible. A breakdown of the 2010 Procurement savings is set out in the following table. Savings of €39 million refers to a direct reduction on all procurement budgets in 2010 as directed by the Department of Finance. The National Procurement Service worked closely with all public bodies in order to assist them to operate within this reduced allocation.

Sector

Savings €

Food / Catering Services /Drinking water

23,867

Training / Education / Mentoring Services

127,523

Building Security Services / Fire Prevention

191,500

Advertising/ Marketing / PR/ Media / Photography

203,057

Printing / Publishing / Design / Photocopying

6,935

Off Site Storage / Archiving / Record Management

15,000

Cleaning/Janitorial

705,798

Professional Services (Consultancy / Project Management / Legal / Advisory/ Auctioneer / Architect/Archaeological/ Quantity Surveying)

86,858

Insurance

2,834

Waste Disposal

55,230

Medical Supplies

288,861

Energy

492,000

Transport

15,333

IT & ICT Consumables

982,143

Plant & Equipment

66,000

Telephony

178,147

Furniture

107,550

Travel – air, bus, taxi etc. / Parking

20,496

Fuel / Electricity

780,283

Uniforms / Clothing

691,187

General Maintenance /Refurbishment / Landscaping / Signage

15,217

Facility Management

44,070

Miscellaneous

3,688,656

Total

8,788,545

Tax Code

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a refund of tax under C45 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that this was not honoured resulting in serious mortgage arrears possible house repossession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17431/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this is the sixth Parliamentary Question in connection with this matter. Questions were asked previously on 27th May 2010, 8th July 2010, 29th September 2010, 4th November 2010 and the 19th May 2011 about this matter. The facts remain as follows:

Following a Revenue audit, deductions incorrectly claimed by the taxpayer were withdrawn, giving rise to a significant tax liability.

Relevant Contract Tax credit of €23,530.25 was offset against an audit tax liability leaving a net refund of €509.53.

Revenue wrote to the taxpayer on the 28th Sep 2010 requesting acceptance of the audit settlement proposals. Reminder letters issued to the taxpayer on the 1st Dec 2010 and 30th March 2011 again requesting acceptance of the audit settlement proposals. To date the taxpayer has neither accepted or rejected these proposals.

The Revenue Commissioners would request that the taxpayer responds to the three unanswered letters so as to expedite the closure of the matter.

EU-IMF Fund

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

152 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the moneys drawn down to date from the EU/IMF support programme including the amounts drawn down on those dates; the dates on which the draw downs took place; the interest rates payable on those draw downs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17466/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

153 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the dates on which interest payments on the EU/IMF loans are due; the amount due to be paid on these dates; the interest rate used to calculate these payments for 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17467/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

To date, Ireland's nominal borrowings under the EU/IMF Programme amount to €23 billion. Details of the loans disbursed to date as supplied by the NTMA to my Department are set out in the table. The information includes the dates of draw downs, the amounts, the maturity or term, the equivalent annual interest rates based on the total costs of the loans, the date of the next coupon and the interest due to be paid on those dates. It should be noted that the next coupon date is also the first coupon date in respect of loans from the EFSF and the EFSM. The first coupon date for IMF loans was in April this year.

There have been no draw downs to date from our bilateral loan partners, the UK, Sweden and Denmark. The UK loan agreement has been finalised for some time and it stipulates that the interest rate on the amounts drawn down will be based on the Sterling Pound mid-market semi-annual swap rate at the time of drawdown plus a margin of 2.29%.

In relation to the Danish and Swedish loan facilities, these have not yet been signed but are near completion. The interest rate on each will be based on the 3-month Euribor interest rate, a market reference rate of good standing, plus a margin yet to be agreed.

Lender

Nominal Loan amount

Amount Disbursed

Date of Draw down

Maturity from date of receipt.

Interest Rate used to calculate ongoing payments

Next Coupon date and frequency

Interest payment due at next coupon date

(Borrowing Cost including margin but excluding fees and credit enhancement measures)

EFSM See note 1

€5.00 billion

€4.973 billion

12-Jan-11

4 years 11 months

5.425%

05-Dec-11 (Annual)

€243 million

€3.40 billion

€3.39 billion

24-Mar-11

7 years

6.175%

04-Apr-12 (Annual)

€216 million

€3.00 billion

€2.986 billion

31-May-11

10 years

6.425%

04-Jun-12 (Annual)

€195 million

EFSF See note 2

€4.20 billion3

€3.592 billion

01-Feb-11

5 years 6 months

5.22%4

18-Jul-11(Annual)

€53 million

IMF See note 3

€5.84 billion

€5.84 billion

18-Jan-11

7½ years average life

2.345% SDR = € 4.77%1

04-Aug-11(Quarterly)

€44 million2

€1.58 billion

€1.58 billion

18-May-11

7½ years average life

2.345% SDR = € 4.77%1

04-Aug-11(Quarterly )

€12 million2

Overall Total

€23.02 billion

€22.36 billion

6.83 years; weighted average life

1. The current SDR floating rate (2.345%) on the IMF drawdown reflects the lower rate arising from a quota increase for Ireland on 4th March 2011. The estimated Euro Equivalent rate on credit outstanding is 4.77% (pricing 31st May 2010) after hedging. The interest rate has been calculated on the basis of the total disbursements to date from the IMF.

2. Estimated figures based on the current SDR interest rate, which is reset weekly.

3. This is the loan amount. The disbursement made available to the Exchequer from the EFSF is €3.592 billion after credit enhancement measures. This credit enhancement is to ensure that the EFSF retains its top AAA credit rating and, thereby, minimizes the cost of funds it borrows. Under the only EFSF loan to Ireland to date, €0.6 billion was retained thereby reducing the cash available to Ireland to €3.592 billion. The retained amount is the present value of the margin of 247 basis points over the life of the loan.

4. 5.22% is the coupon of 2.75% plus the margin of 2.47%. Taking credit enhancements and service fees into account the effective cost to Ireland is 5.90%.

Note 1 EFSM:

The first coupon date of the EFSM loan drawn down on the 12th January 2011 is 5th December 2011 when €243 million is payable. Thereafter, interest of €272 million is payable on an annual basis (5 December each year) to maturity. With regard to the disbursement of 24 March 2011, the date of the first coupon payment means that the first interest rate period is slightly over a year and the amount reflects this. The annual interest payable on 4 April in 2013 and subsequent years will be €210 million. The same issue arises in respect of the 31 May 2011 disbursement. The annual interest payable on 4 June in 2013 and subsequent years will be €193 million.

Note 2 EFSF:

The first coupon date of the only EFSF loan drawn down to date occurs on the 18 July 2011. As the first coupon is only in respect of the period from the 1st of February 2011 to 18 July 2011, €53 million of interest is payable. Thereafter interest is calculated on an annual basis. As Ireland has already prepaid the margin of 2.47%, the annual interest payment of €115 million relates only to the EFSF cost of funding, which was 2.75% in respect of this loan tranche. This interest rate is fixed for the lifetime of the loan.

Note 3 IMF:

Interest will be paid quarterly at the IMF's standard interest rate for drawings under its Extended Fund Facility. This rate is set by reference to the IMF's basic rate of charge plus surcharges which are based on the size of the loan relative to the country's IMF quota.

For borrowings up to three times quota the interest rate is the SDR rate (currently 0.58%) plus 1%.

Borrowings above the threshold of three times quota are charged an additional 2%.

From 18 January 2014, the third anniversary of the availability of the 1st disbursement of the IMF funds to Ireland, an additional 1% is charged on borrowings over 3 times quota

In addition to the interest charge there is a once off up front handling fee of 0.5% for all draw downs.

The SDR interest rate is reset weekly and is based on a weighted average of the three-month Eurepo rate, three-month Japanese Treasury Discount bills, three-month UK Treasury bills, and three-month US Treasury bills. The current SDR interest rate is 0.58%.

Credit Availability

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

154 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of reviews carried out by the Credit Review Office since its inception; the number of reviews that have upheld the banks decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/11]

The Credit Review Office has completed 54 reviews. There are a further 18 applications proceeding through the review process with 10 other applications on hand but whose eligibility has not yet been confirmed. The banks credit decision was upheld in 23 of the 54 reviews completed. More work was required by the borrower and bank or the review was withdrawn in 7 other cases. In the remaining 24 cases, the banks' credit decision was disputed. In all these cases to date, the banks subsequently provided credit. I am informed by the Credit Review Office that 335 full time and 13 part time jobs were protected in these 24 cases.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the correspondence between the Government and the European Central Bank during the period leading up to Ireland’s decision on 21 November 2010 to apply for an EU / IMF Programme facility. [17487/11]

During an ongoing crisis, it is important for relationships between institutions to be developed, in order to allow for confidential negotiations to take place, especially on particularly sensitive issues. This is particularly the case in relation to the Irish authorities dealing with the ECB. It is normal practice for states to protect the confidentiality of these discussions, and in fact is usually enshrined in the rules of association of institutions. Indeed, this is reflected in the Freedom of Information Act, which provides for exemptions for records relating to, for example, information received in confidence, commercially sensitive information and the financial and economic interests of the state in sections 24, 26 and 31. These factors counterbalance the public interest, protecting the ability of the Government when negotiating or deliberating on matters of national importance. It is considered that release of these records would impact on the integrity and viability of the decision-making process to a significant degree without a countervailing benefit to the public, and would prejudice our relationship with the ECB. For this reason, I do not intend to release this information.

Budgetary Process

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

156 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a date has been set for the announcement of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17488/11]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

157 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including timelines for the book of estimates and so on, of the budgetary process for 2012; if he will confirm the role to be played by him and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17493/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

My Department will publish a pre-Budget Outlook in October of this year and, as is the norm, it is intended that Budget 2012 will be presented to the Dáil in early December, though the exact date has yet to be decided. Similarly, while the exact dates have not been set, the Revised Estimates Volume would normally be published in February 2012 and referred to the relevant Dáil Select Committees on the same date. The Estimates are then voted on by the House in June. In relation to 2011, the Revised Estimates for Public Expenditure 2011 will be published shortly and will reflect the main changes following the re-organisation of Departmental responsibilities, the Jobs Initiative and minor administrative adjustments such as the introduction of civilian drivers for Ministers.

The Deputy will also be aware, of course, of the arrangements introduced this year under the new EU-semester, whereby the Stability Programme Update, containing revised macroeconomic and budgetary projections, was prepared and submitted to the European Commission last April. This document was also laid before the Dáil and published on the Department of Finance website. The purpose of these new arrangements is to allow for a more intensive period of peer review of other member-states' budgetary plans, thereby facilitating a greater degree of budgetary coordination across the EU, and they form part of a wider suite of fiscal governance reforms which are emerging at EU-level.

Finally, I, as the Minister for Finance, and Brendan Howlin, as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, along with our respective Departments, will work very closely in the compilation of Budget 2012, as the expenditure estimates are obviously a key factor in devising budgetary policy and calculating the overall budgetary arithmetic.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

158 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has given consideration to the balance of spending cuts and tax increases to be introduced in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17494/11]

The overall fiscal adjustment for 2012 underpinning the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support is €3.6 billion and this will be implemented through a combination of further reductions to public expenditure and additional revenue raising measures. The Stability Programme Update submitted to the European Commission in April forecasts the 2012 General Government deficit at 8.6% of GDP. Based on the macroeconomic and fiscal outlook at the time, this target is consistent with this level of fiscal adjustment and is within the terms of the revised Excessive Deficit Procedure recommendation issued by the ECOFIN Council last December.

As stated in the revised programme agreed with the EU/IMF in April 2011, the budgetary measures set out in the original agreement in December 2010 will be examined by the Government. Therefore the precise nature of the measures to be implemented in 2012 will be decided upon in advance of Budget 2012 in light of more up-to-date economic and fiscal data and the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, which is currently under way.

Fiscal Policy

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

159 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether new legislation is required to impose losses on unsecured, unguaranteed senior bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society. [17495/11]

I have indicated to the House that, consistent with Government policy, I will raise the issue of burden sharing which will allow for the imposition of loses on unguaranteed and unsecured senior bondholders in Anglo and INBS with the IMF and EU authorities in the autumn. I have also indicated that we will take no unilateral action in this area. While legislation is in place to provided for burden sharing with subordinated debt holders under the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010 there are currently no provisions on the statute book to specifically provided for burden sharing with senior bondholders.

EU-IMF Fund

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

160 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the next draw down of funds under the EU/IMF Programme is due to take place; if he will confirm the source from which the draw down will come; the amount involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17581/11]

Future disbursements are kept under constant review and are the subject of discussion in the quarterly reviews. Disbursements in each quarter can only take place after the IMF Executive Board, the Eurogroup and ECOFIN have approved the compliance reports prepared, respectively, by IMF Staff and the European Commission Services. The actual disbursements take place in the period following the respective meetings. Disbursements from the EFSF and EFSF are somewhat dictated by the timing of their market interventions and discussions around this are held with the NTMA as appropriate.

Under the combined 1st and 2nd Reviews, which took place in April 2011, the disbursement profile was agreed as set out in the following table:

Source

Q3—2011

Q4—2011

2012

2013

Totals

EU (incl. Bilaterals)*

€3.0 bn

€7.7 bn

€12.7 bn

€6.6 bn

€30.0 bn

IMF

€1.5 bn

€3.9 bn

€6.3 bn

€3.4 bn

€15.1 bn

Total

€4.5 bn

€11.6 bn

€19.0 bn

€10.0 bn

€45.1 bn

*These are net disbursement figures. Gross borrowing will be higher due to the credit enhancement measures required under EFSF arrangements.

The funds to be sourced from the EU includes an estimated €4.8 billion of bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark. Under the bilateral agreement with the UK worth a total value of Stg£3.2 billion (€3.8 billion, based on the conversion rates prevailing in November 2010, is the assumed value in the table above), the funds should be disbursed in eight equal tranches starting in the third quarter of 2011. The bilateral loan agreements, including the disbursement profiles, with Sweden and Denmark are being finalised. The current expectation is that the combined €1 billion from these sources will be split equally between 2012 and 2013 and this is reflected in the table.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

161 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [17592/11]

The Department of Finance, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Information Commissioner, the Office of the Ombudsman, the State Laboratory, and the Valuation Office do not outsource IT services, in the normal industry sense of the word and consequently do not have any contracts for outsourcing IT services. The policy of these bodies is to engage external resources to work with in-house staff as and when the need arises. Additional time is required to source the information sought by the Deputy on the Office of Public Works, the Public Appointments Service and the Valuation Tribunal. The information regarding these bodies will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when it comes to hand.

Fiscal Policy

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

162 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that our banks are effectively State owned and that many young house holders are now under tremendous pressure by the banks as they have fallen into arrears with their mortgage payments, if he will introduce a scheme where persons will only pay what would be an acceptable similar sum to the rent that the property would make if it were put on the open market for letting, this rent could be taken off the mortgage over a period of time and the time of the mortgages could be extended in line with other European countries, where a much longer lifetime of mortgages are the norm in comparison to the usual time frame here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17611/11]

I would like to inform the Deputy that there are a number of measures in place to assist mortgage holders who are in genuine difficulties with regard to the payment of their mortgages. The Deputy will be aware of the work of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. This Group published its final Report in November 2010. All of the Expert Group's recommendations are listed in Chapter 2 of the Report which can be accessed at www.finance.gov.ie .

One of the recommendations of the Group was that lenders should offer a Deferred Interest Scheme (DIS) to borrowers. Under this Scheme, borrowers are allowed, subject to certain criteria being satisfied, to pay at least 66% of their mortgage interest but less than 100%. Payment of the balance may be deferred for up to 5 years. Lenders representing the majority of the market have already indicated their willingness to implement the Group's proposals for a DIS or a variation of it. While the scheme is voluntary for all lenders, those who have signed up in support of the scheme will be monitored by the Central Bank to ensure compliance.

Since the publication of the Group's Report, the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) has been revised by the Central Bank to reflect many of the recommendations, including key recommendations relating to the introduction by all regulated lenders of a standardised Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). The most significant changes in the revised CCMA include:

Penalty interest charges may not be imposed on borrowers in arrears who co-operate with the MARP,

Harassment of borrowers through unsolicited communications is outlawed,

Borrowers in financial difficulties, but not in arrears, are allowed to come under the MARP,

When a lender is determining the 12 month period the lender must wait before applying to the courts to commence legal action, the lender must exclude any time period during which a borrower is complying with the terms of an alternative repayment arrangement, making an appeal to the internal appeals board or making a complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman. The revised CCMA came into effect on 1 January 2011 and can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie. Lenders are required to comply with the CCMA as a matter of law but have been given a period of six months grace ending on 30 June 2011 to put in place the requisite systems and training of staff necessary to support the implementation of the MARP.

The recommendation of the Group to amend the local authority needs assessment process has been implemented by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Local authorities have been provided with guidance on the treatment of applicants for social housing support whose mortgages have been deemed unsustainable. Discussions are on-going between that Department and the Irish Bankers' Federation to enable borrowers, whose properties are to be repossessed to remain in their homes for a period of time, pending the sourcing of appropriate accommodation by the housing authority.

As regards the recommendations of the Group in relation to the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme (MIS), I have been informed by the Department of Social Protection that the implementation of these recommendations will require changes to both primary and secondary legislation. That Department is currently finalizing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the MIS.

I note the proposal made by the Deputy, whereby a borrower would pay an amount equivalent to the rent that the property could reasonably be expected to realise if put on the open market, in lieu of the actual amount of the mortgage due, thereby lengthening the time for full repayment of the mortgage. I have no plans to introduce such a scheme at this time. Finally, people in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. This is a national, free, confidential and independent service.

Proposed Legislation

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

163 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he will publish the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17612/11]

The Finance Act 2011 contains legislation that, subject to a Ministerial Commencement Order, provides for the extension of betting duty to remote bookmakers and betting exchanges. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill, which will provide for a regulatory and licensing regime, is enacted. The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2011 is currently at an advanced stage of drafting.

Tax Reliefs

Michael Creed

Ceist:

164 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 29 March 2011, when the economic impact assessment referred therein will be published and when a commencement order bringing section 13 of the Finance Act 2011 into effect will be signed; if it is still his intention to include replacement of windows and doors amongst the works which will be eligible for tax relief under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/11]

Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.

As part of the announcement in the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and following this review, I have decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme. As the tax relief scheme will now not come into effect, there is no need to complete the economic impact assessment that was planned.

Tax Code

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

165 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the reason VAT has been charged to an organisation (details provided) using an area of land on the Curragh, County Kildare, which had not previously been charged. [17660/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 117 of the Finance Act 2010 provides for VAT to be charged in respect of the receipts from certain activities of public bodies, including Departments of State, local authorities and bodies established by enactment, with effect from 1 July 2011. Before further comment can be made in this case additional information regarding the VAT background to the transaction is required. The Revenue Commissioners will request this additional information from the relevant public body in the near future. On receipt of this additional information the Revenue Commissioners will communicate further with the relevant public body.

Higher Education Grants

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

166 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the rates for higher education grants will be finalised; and when the application forms will be available to the public. [17216/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the student grant scheme for the 2011/12 academic year was published on 27 June 2011. The scheme, application form and guidance notes are available on the studentfinance.ie website. The rates of grant for 2011, which applied since January of this year, are as follows:

EU Funding

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

167 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will allocate some funding from the national allocation of European Globalisation Fund funding to enable former SR Technic workers to complete educational courses they have undertaken in order to update their skills to help them find alternative employment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EGF funding provided for this purpose is due to expire in October 2011 which is 12 months earlier than the workers anticipated; is it the case that the initial application for funding was made by the former Government in October 2009 and the application was only signed off in October 2010 which meant that the period for funding commenced from the actual date of the application and not the date of approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17512/11]

The Irish authorities submitted the application for EGF co-financing support for redundant workers at the S R Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin Airport on 9 October 2009. The European Commission approved the EGF application in September 2010 while the formal decision from the EGF Budgetary authority approving the application was made on 8 December 2010. That decision provides for a maximum 65% EGF co-financed contribution of €7.4m to be used for EGF programme measures from 25 March 2009, the date when programme supports commenced nationally, up to 9 October 2011, the EGF programme end date.

The significant lapse of time between EGF application submission by the EU Member State and EU approval is a feature of the EGF and one which Ireland has raised with the European Commission. Notwithstanding the fact that EU approval is received several months after an EGF application submission, the cost of eligible measures provided immediately after, or even prior to, the redundancy of an EGF eligible person, may be claimed from the EGF if included in the relevant application from the EU member state.

As I have previously stated in the House on a number of occasions in recent weeks on this issue, the end date of EGF co-financing of relevant supports for the SR Technics redundant workers must cease on 9 October 2011 in accordance with the European Commission decision. This end-date has always been made clear to both the providers of supports to the redundant workers including in written correspondence and to the redundant workers wishing to avail of those supports including at public meetings and at meetings with worker representatives. In this context, it was always made clear to the former S R Technics workers and their representatives both at public meetings and at meetings held at their request with officials of my Department, that the full duration of third level education courses would not be funded through the EGF programme and that funding would end before accreditation is achieved.

Under the EGF Regulation governing the Fund, EU co-financing for a maximum amount of 65% of the total cost of an EGF programme of measures is available for a maximum of 24 months from the date of submission of an application by a Member State. The nationally funded EGF allocation is used for the sole purpose of providing the remaining minimum 35% national co-financed contribution for eligible measures forming part of the overall EGF programme for the duration of the programme only. No additional national funding is available to fund continued study on EGF-related education courses after 9 October 2011 outside the normal funding available to all students.

School Staffing

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

168 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will advise of the panel rights of special needs assistants and the level of job security an SNA may expect after three or four years service. [17014/11]

Firstly, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations are not permanent, as the level of SNA support allocated to a school may be increased or decreased as pupils who qualify for SNA support enrol or leave a school. They are also decreased where a child's care needs may have diminished over time. There is therefore no panel system in place for SNAs.

A Special Needs Assistant whose post is surplus to the approved allocation to the school may be entitled to a redundancy payment under the terms of circular 58/2006 — titled Redundancy Arrangements for Special Need Assistants. Support to SNAs who may have been made redundant is provided for within the terms of this scheme.

The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. The Board is the SNA's employer and the terms of employment are subject to the conditions of the contract of employment.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support, which now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for SNA support for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of SNA support to eligible schools.

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and are currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

Schools Refurbishment

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

169 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills when emergency funding will be available for repairs to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow in view of the fact that their existing facilities have been deemed unfit for use by qualified engineers. [17040/11]

An application under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to fully refurbish the home economics room, address Health and Safety issues in the corridors and classrooms and for the provision of disabled access facilities has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.

As the scope of works for the refurbishment element of this project is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school has been informed of the decision.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently approved emergency funding for the provision of the disabled access facilities at the school in question.

School Accommodation

Patrick Deering

Ceist:

170 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be available to provide appropriate accommodation for the austic spectrum disorder classrooms in a school (details supplied) in County Carlow. [17041/11]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

191 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the necessary approvals are granted to allow the necessary renovations and extensions to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17422/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 191 together.

A major project for the school, referred to by the Deputy, was included on the list of projects on the work programme for 2011, which was announced on 24 January last. A technical assessment of the school has been completed and my Department has agreed the Schedule of Accommodation with the school authority, which includes the provision of a Special Needs Unit. The next stage involves the appointment of a Design team and this appointment process is expected to commence shortly.

All large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase are being progressed in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and the available financial resources.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

171 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17051/11]

Two Ministers of State were appointed to my Department. The Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, has responsibility for training and skills and the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, has responsibility for research and innovation within my Department and in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Set out below, for the Deputy's information, is a note on the roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State.

Functions of Minister Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister of State for Research and Innovation within the Department of Education and Skills.

Oversight of the implementation of the specific range of higher education commitments that come under the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills in the:

Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation;

The Report of the Innovation Task Force

Recommendations in relation to research and innovation in the National Strategy for Higher Education ("Hunt Report") in particular recommendations relating to research and research careers performance metrics, research and innovation activities, including knowledge transfer and commercialisation, and ensuring promotional criteria reflect parity of esteem for differentiated research missions across disciplines.

Oversight of the research funding programmes under the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and Irish Research Council for Science and Technology (IRCSET).

The Minister of State will have particular policy responsibility for driving the response of the higher education institutions to the commercialisation challenge, including in particular:

Ensuring that HEIs encompass IP management and commercialisation as a Central part of their mission;

Strengthening institutional competence at Technology Transfer Office level and among researchers;

Enhancing the capacity of institutes of technology to partner with industry in Regional innovation.

While not a specific delegated function given the link between performance in STEM subjects in school and the research agenda the Minister for Education and Skills proposes to involve the Minister of State in policy discussions and decisions on relevant curricular issues.

Functions of Mr. Ciarán Cannon T.D., Minister of State for Training and Skills and School Transport within the Department of Education and Skills.

Further Education and Training

Within the overall strategic and structural framework for the future development of skills, training and further education which will be determined by the Minister for Education and Skills, the statutory powers and duties of the Minister for Education and Skills, conferred on him by or under the Youth Employment Agency Act 1981, the Industrial Training Act 1967, the Labour Services Act 1987 with the exception of Section 6, Section 3(2) and Schedule 1, the National Training Fund Act 2000.

The statutory powers and duties of the Minister for Education and Skills conferred by the Education Act 1998 as they relate to planning and coordinating adult education (including adult educational disadvantage).

Further education and training programmes including the development of further education and training programmes at FETAC levels 1 to 6 (or equivalent) for early school leavers, school leavers and adults returning to education and training, particularly those with less than upper second level education and especially in the context of the National Skills Strategy, labour market entrants, re-entrants, those in employment and the unemployed.

FÁS:

The National Training Fund and programmes funded from it;

The European Social Fund;

The Labour Market Activation Fund;

The European Globalisation Fund.

The implementation of the following programmes and supports, within the resources made available:

Full-time Further Education programmes (Youthreach, Senior Traveller Training Centres (STTCs), Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses);

Part-time Further Education programmes (Adult Literacy, Community Education and the Back to Education Initiative);

The Adult Education Guidance Initiative (AEGI);

Training programmes run by FÁS, Skillnets and other agencies for the unemployed, employed, apprentices and people with disabilities.

School Transport

The statutory powers and duties of the Minister for Education and Skills conferred by the Education Act 1998 as they relate school transport services:

Policy review and development of the school transport schemes

Promotion and enhancement of safety on school transport services

Prioritisation and allocation of funding for school transport services within the resources made available.

** In exercising these delegated functions, the Ministers of State will have regard to the overall responsibilities of the Minister for Education and Skills in relation to the wider policy and budgetary framework, and the determination of priorities within that, for the Department of Education and Skills.

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

172 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in relation to attendance at Ministerial Councils for which he has responsibility since the formation of the Government; if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting. [17064/11]

Since the formation of the Government, there has been one formal EU Ministerial Council meeting and one informal meeting of Education Ministers. I attended the formal Education, Youth and Culture Council meeting in Brussels in May 2011 and Minister for State Ciarán Cannon attended the informal Ministerial meeting in Budapest in March 2011.

School Staffing

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

173 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants employed in County Donegal. [17140/11]

The information requested by the Deputy on the number of special needs assistants employed in County Donegal is not readily available.

The number of Special Needs Assistants employed nationally from 2007 to 2010 is available in the table. The details for each year are the December figures for the year in question. The primary schools information is inclusive of the special schools details.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating special needs resources to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and special needs assistants will continue to be deployed to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

Number of Special Needs Assistants

Year

Number of Special Needs Assistants in Primary schools

Number of Special Needs Assistants in Post Primary Schools, including VECs.

2007

8,038

1,786

2008

8,440

2,002

2009

8,392

1,950

2010

8,401

2,142

Schools Building Projects

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

174 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a building project in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17174/11]

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

180 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17220/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 180 together.

The project for the school referred to by the Deputies is currently at an early stage of architectural planning.

The Board of Management and Design team have submitted a report to my Department for review. Upon completion of that review my Department officials will respond directly to the Board of Management.

Until planning permission has been secured and the advanced stages of architectural planning have been completed, it will not be possible to give an indication of the timeframe for completion of the subsequent tender and construction stages.

School Services Staff

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

175 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if ancillary staff at a college (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who do not wish to transfer to the new private management company, can be redeployed in the wider public sector in the Athlone area. [17202/11]

The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 8 new schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership (PPP). The procurement of these schools is ongoing and it is expected that subject to the successful completion of the tendering and local authority planning process that a contract for the delivery of these schools will be finalised in early 2012.

The Department of Education and Skills operates the Design Build Finance and Maintain (DBFO) model for PPP projects. This provides that the maintenance of the buildings over the 25 year period of the contract becomes the responsibility of the PPP Operator and ancillary staff currently employed by the school will be given the option, under EU legislation, of transferring their employment to the PPP Company.

Officials from my Department met with representatives of the ancillary staff of the school mentioned by the Deputy in April 2011 and committed that all available options will be presented to the staff in question at the earliest opportunity. It will not be possible to do this in advance of the appointment of a successful tenderer and a scheduled completion date being finalised. At that point further discussions will take place with the relevant staff to ensure the full suite of available options can be presented.

I would also like to point out that the Government has given certain commitments to public servants under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 including a commitment that compulsory redundancy will not apply within the public service, save where existing exit provisions apply. Accordingly, for the lifetime of the Public Service Agreement, any serving public servants in the VEC who decide following the presentation of the full suite of options, that they do not wish to transfer to the PPP company are protected from compulsory redundancy, subject to them agreeing to re-deployment to another public service position in line with the provisions in that respect contained in the Agreement.

School Transport

Niall Collins

Ceist:

176 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he can advise on a school transport issue (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17210/11]

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

182 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to alter a school bus route (details supplied) County Limerick in view of the fact that the parents and stakeholders of the school have identified an alternative to the removal of the service which they believe will not come at an increased cost to the Department. [17226/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 182 together.

I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960s. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area. However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available. While my Department acknowledges the importance of school transport, my Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike.

Changes to school transport services relating to the Closed School Rule and the minimum number of eligible pupils required to retain or establish a school transport service were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.

Regarding the Closed School Rule (CSR) it is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of this rule. The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport.

A further change which will take effect in September 2011 is the increase from 7 to 10 in the number of eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, required to retain or establish a school transport service. In general, this means that the minimum number required to establish or retain a service broadly represents a return to 2002 levels. Again it is important to stress that families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, may apply for a grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.

Irish Sign Language

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

177 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanisms he will examine to promote the recognition of Irish sign language; the persons who examine these mechanisms; the time-frame during which they will conduct their examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17217/11]

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

178 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Icelandic and Hungarian sign language have been recently recognised in their respective states; his plans to make Irish sign language an official language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17218/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The Deputy may be aware that Section 2 of the Official Languages Act 2003 states that "the official languages" of the State are (a) the Irish language (being the national language and the first official language) and (b) the English language (being a second official language) as specified in Article 8 of the Constitution.

I wish to advise the Deputy that Irish Sign language (ISL) has formal recognition in the Education Act, 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science (Skills) to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.

A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL in order that it will achieve greater recognition and use in the education system are currently in place. These include:

the special schools for the deaf have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class.

funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf school-going pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children, pupils, their siblings and parents

funding is also made available through the Special Education Support Service (SESS) to enable individual teachers and whole school staff to undertake courses in Irish Sign Language which are available throughout the country through a variety of providers.

In addition, the Visiting Teacher Service for Children and Young People with a Hearing Impairment is provided by my Department from the time of referral through to third level education. The Visiting Teacher service provides advice and support to ensure that the needs of children and young people with hearing impairment are met. This service is available at pre-school, primary and post-primary levels. Specifically, the service works in partnership with parents of pre-school children with hearing impairment, visiting their homes and/or meeting them in groups to inform, advise and offer guidance in matters pertaining to their education and overall development and in helping their children to derive maximum benefit from the educational opportunities available.

The Deputy may be aware that assessment, rehabilitation and information services for children with hearing impairment and their families are funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE), either directly or indirectly. Services provided include communication therapy and lip-reading classes as well as sign language classes.

My Department, through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), has established and funds a Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College, Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL/English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies. The course modules deal with issues such as sign linguistics, bilingualism and socio-linguistics of sign language. The course is delivered in seminar sessions/group work and the award of the diploma is based on continued assessment and a project and course design. The HEA has allocated €387,000 in core funding to the Centre in the current academic year.

Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has commissioned an external, high-level review of the issues surrounding deaf education. This review will focus on models of provision with reference to evidenced-based outcomes and the implications of adopting different approaches. I look forward to receiving the policy advice from the NCSE in this regard.

School Staffing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

179 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8, having lost its special class has been informed that it will not be sanctioned for a full-time resource teacher; his views on the concerns of parents, teaching staff and the wider community that this will have a detrimental effect particularly on those children with special needs but also for all pupils in the school; if he will allow the school to appoint a full-time resource teacher thereby allowing the school which has established a positive reputation for integrating children with special needs to maintain its current staffing level. [17219/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of Resource Teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

I understand that with regard to the school referred to by the Deputy, that the class for pupils with Mild General Learning Disability (MGLD) in the school will not be sanctioned by the NCSE for the coming school year, as the school does not have the minimum number of pupils required to retain such a class.

In relation to the allocation of individual Resource Teaching support, Departmental Circulars 30/2011 and 37/2011 provide information to schools regarding the arrangements which are being put in place for the 2011/12 school year.

For the coming 2011/12 school year, an allocation of 90% of valid identified resource teaching allocations has been made to schools, in the first instance, to provide schools with the majority of their allocation, while also preserving enough capacity to deal with late applications and to ensure that the DES can remain within Employment Control Framework obligations

Schools have been asked to forward any outstanding applications, or additional outstanding materials to support incomplete applications, to the NCSE for their consideration, as soon as possible, but in any event by no later than 16th September 2011. Having considered all of the outstanding applications received from schools by September 16th, depending on the level of demand, the NCSE may be in a position to revisit the 90% allocation of Resource Teaching hours made to date for schools.

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 174.

Departmental Funding

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

181 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the effectiveness of the financial benefits against the long-term repercussions on the education system in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17224/11]

The correspondence provided by the Deputy covers a wide range of budgetary and other measures in order to comply with the terms of the Programme for National Recovery and the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland.

The focus of my Department is to ensure that we achieve the maximum from whatever resources we can make available to schools.

It is only by taking the difficult but necessary corrective action on our public finances that we can have a sustainable basis for the allocation of resources to our schools into the future.

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 176.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

183 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/11]

As part of the new transport regime for Cabinet Ministers, as decided by Cabinet on 15 March 2011, I am subject to the normal civil service regulations and rates in respect travel and subsistence expenses as set out in Circular 11/82 (as amended by Circulars 22/2005 and 07/2009) with some exceptions which are listed as follows.

There are no other allowances payable to me or the Minister of State in respect of Travel and Subsistence or Salary being paid by the Department.

The exceptions include: An additional mileage rate in respect of engine capacity greater than 2001cc; Mileage in respect of which the allowance is paid is limited to 96,540 kilometres per year; A subsistence rate of €72.66 which is half the Civil Service Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third. The vouched cost of a hotel room may also be included as part of the subsistence being claimed. Where meals are supplied the appropriate deductions are made from the subsistence claim. Where all meals are provided, no subsistence is due.

The rates applicable in respect of Travel and Subsistence Allowances are in the following table.

Travel Allowances:

Official Motor Travel in Calendar Year — Rates per KM effective 5th March 2009

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1200cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6437KM

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6438KM and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

Reduced Travel Rates per KM*

14.64 cent

16.64 cent

19.49 cent

23.39 cent

*Conference / Training Course Attendance Mileage Rates

Subsistence Allowances:

Official Subsistence Rates in Calendar Year Rates 5th March 2009

Class A Rate

Overnight

10 hours or more

5 hours but less than 10 hours

Minister / Minister of State

€72.66*

33.61

13.71

*Rate is calculated as half the Civil Service Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third.

A claim may also be made in respect of the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge).

Student Loans

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

184 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a programme of State backed low interest loans for students who are struggling to afford the full costs of third level education. [17322/11]

I have no immediate plans for the introduction of a student loan scheme.

As the Deputy will be aware where full-time undergraduate students meet the eligibility criteria of my Department's free fees schemes, the exchequer meets their tuition fee costs. Financial support is also available to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the form of student grants. In addition, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. Detailed information on all financial supports for students can be found on the website www.studentfinance.ie.

The implementation issues associated with introducing a student loan scheme were previously assessed by the Department of Education and Skills in the context of policy options for new forms of student contribution. A July 2009 technical report on these policy options, including the introduction of a loan scheme, is published on the Department's website.

Future demand for participation growth in higher education needs to be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality. Although the nature of these difficult trade-offs are described in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the strategy also identifies the need for more detailed analysis. In this regard, I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework over the course of this year. This work will inform consideration by Government of policy options in relation to future funding of the sector.

Schools Building Projects

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

185 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that Stage 2A of the design plan for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 has been approved; if he will allow the school to prepare documentation for Stage 2B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17326/11]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The stage 2A submission was recently received from the Design team and is currently being reviewed by my Department. When that review is complete and the submission has been approved my Department will revert to the Board of Management of the school regarding progression of the project to Stage 2B.

Departmental Schemes

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

186 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding applicants (details supplied) for the springboard scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/11]

Springboard is a specific initiative targeted at unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment levels will not return and who will need new qualifications and skills to re-enter employment as the economy recovers.

To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course an applicant must have been unemployed for a minimum of 6 months when the course starts. At the time of starting a Springboard course an applicant also must be in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits and be available and actively seeking employment. The rationale for applying a 6 months waiting criteria is to ensure that the limited resources available for Springboard are directed at unemployed people, who may be in most need of upskilling or reskilling in order to get back into employment.

School Transport

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

187 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 21 June 2011, if the specifics of the case have been looked at as this is an exceptional case (details supplied). [17374/11]

As previously advised Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has confirmed that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not attending their school of amalgamation.

Under the terms of the national primary school transport scheme, in the circumstances they are not eligible for school transport under the closed school rule.

School Accounts

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

188 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools will publish annual accounts for the 2011-2012 academic year as committed to in the programme for Government. [17397/11]

The Programme for Government does not contain any commitment relating to the publication by schools of annual accounts. However, the Deputy may be aware that under section 18 of the Education Act, schools are required "to keep all proper and usual accounts and records of all monies received by it or expenditure of such monies incurred by it and shall ensure that in each year all such accounts are properly audited or certified in accordance with best accounting practice". Section 18 of the Act further requires that "Accounts kept in pursuance of this section shall be made available by the school concerned for inspection by the Minister and by parents of students in the school, in so far as those accounts relate to monies provided in accordance with Section 12 of the Act."

The Deputy may be referring to the commitment in the Programme for Government that "Schools will publish annual reports". The precise nature of such reports and the timeframe for the implementation of this commitment is currently the subject of consideration by my Department.

School Transport

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

189 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider exempting a school (details supplied) in County Donegal from the school transport charges under the closed school rule if it cannot be proved to him that the lack of such an exemption will place the safety of pupils at risk. [17419/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960s. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area. However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available. While my Department acknowledges the importance of school transport, my Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike.

The changes to school transport services relating to the Closed School Rule were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.

It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR).

The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport.

This change to school transport provision means that the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. In line with the terms of the national primary school transport scheme, children residing less than 3.2kms may only apply for concessionary transport subject to a number of conditions including payment of a charge, currently of €200 per annum. There is no exemption from this charge.

School Accommodation

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

190 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if in view of the projected enrolment and the requirement for additional classroom accommodation in the near future, if there are any plans to provide capital to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for additional school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/11]

My Department's most recent projections indicate that enrolments at post-primary level will rise from current levels of circa 312,200 pupils to about 336,600 pupils by the year 2017. It is within this context that my Department is finalising its analysis of all areas in the country in order to determine the level of additional school provision which will be required at post primary level up to 2017. Overall post-primary requirements in the area to which the Deputy refers will be considered as part of this process and an appropriate long term accommodation solution to the needs of the area will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and with due regard to available financial resources.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 170.

Schools Building Projects

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

192 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a capital funding application for a school building initiative in a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite the necessary approvals in view of the fact that there is a serious issue in the school with regard to an old disused and dangerous building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17423/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that a technical assessment of this school building has been carried out by my Department's architectural staff. This school has certain constraints in terms of the fact that it has a protected structure and associated conservation issues. My Department will continue to liaise with the school authorities in the context of progressing this project to the next stage of the architectural planning process.

In the meantime, my Department has approved emergency funding for works to the old school building.

Education Centre Network

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

193 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for mainstreaming the salaries and payment for outdoor education centres; if this will involve direct payment by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17473/11]

There are 12 outdoor education centres operated and managed by 11 Vocational Education Committees. The staff working in these centres are employees of the relevant VEC. Each VEC is responsible for the payment of the salaries of its staff, including the staff of the outdoor education centres, and any other payments associated with the operation of these centres. I have no plans at this time to centralise the payment of VEC staff salaries within my Department.

FÁS Training Programmes

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

194 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices registered with FÁS that are currently unemployed; the initiatives that are in place or are planned by FÁS to assist these apprentices in completing their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17478/11]

According to information supplied by FÁS to my Department, as at 31st May 2011, the number of apprentices notified to FÁS by employers as being redundant was 5,118. The number of redundant apprentices who can progress in their apprenticeships having reached the minimum qualifying standard to date in off-the-job training and assessment is 3,185 and 1,933 redundant apprentices cannot progress until they have successfully passed their outstanding assessments

A number of initiatives have been taken by FÁS to enable registered redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships:

The rules for off-the-job training were amended to permit redundant apprentices to progress to their next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship even though they have not yet completed their previous on-the-job phase. This year to date, 774 have completed off-the-job training and 452 are currently attending off-the-job training.

The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme. In order to provide opportunities to assist redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships, FÁS approved employers in the public and private sectors will provide redundant apprentices with training and assessment on-the-job at Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7. As of 17th June 2011, 960 redundant apprentices are currently in on-the-job training phase with employers, and 167 have completed the relevant phase. The scheme aims to provide placement and training for 1,526 redundant apprentices in 2011.

Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments. Redundant apprentices in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Cabinet Making, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 6 of their apprenticeships but who have not completed on-the-job Phase 7 Assessments will be scheduled by FÁS to undertake Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments over a period of 4 weeks in a FÁS Training Centre. As at 31st May 2011, 22 redundant apprentices had completed the assessments and 7 redundant apprentices are currently in training. Redundant apprentices eligible to undertake the assessments have been notified by FÁS.

Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme. Redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 7 of their apprenticeships but who have not completed the statutory 4 years in employment as apprentices may be granted an exemption from this requirement by validating their competence under the Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme. FÁS will invite qualifying redundant apprentices to submit a portfolio of evidence of trade related work experience gained at home and/or abroad and/or trade related training and education. The granting of exemptions is based solely on the portfolios of evidence submitted. As at 31st May 2011, 172 application have been approved and a further 20 applications are in progress

Fee Waiver Scheme. Course fees will be waived for redundant apprentices who attend FÁS day and/or evening courses in order to enhance their employable skills.

Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing specific skills training courses and evening courses available at FÁS Training Centres to enhance their employable skills

Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills. FÁS and the Higher Education Authority with the Institutes of Technology have developed a post Phase 6 programme for redundant apprentices who wish to access a programme at 3rd level in the Institutes of Technology. Redundant apprentices who successfully complete this programme will receive a HETAC Special Award Level 3, 30 ECTS Credits. This award should entitle apprentices to enter year 2 of a relevant Higher Certificate (level 6) and in some particular cases may gain entry to Ordinary Degree Programmes Level 7. The Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills (optional) will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 — 2011/2012

Refresher Programme for Redundant Referred Apprentices. To assist referred apprentices who wish to progress, FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have developed a short duration programme to prepare redundant apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments, and this programme will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 — 2011/2012

Léargas has provided support to FÁS for apprentices to complete on-the-job training with assessment with employers in Germany and Finland. In the period to the end of May 2011, over 100 apprentices have undertaken the programme and FÁS has received approval subject to contract for a further 43 redundant apprentice placement in 2011/2012

Conversion Programme — Electrical /Plumbing. FÁS has developed a Conversion Programme for redundant Electrical and Plumbing apprentices who have worked primarily in the Construction Sector to undertake additional training in modules associated with the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors. The pilot programme provides a combination of off and on-the-job training in a FÁS Training Centre and with work experience in the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors.

Educational Disadvantage

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

195 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to widen and improve access to third level education for marginalised groups including students from low income backgrounds, mature and part-time students and students from minority groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17480/11]

Actions to improve access to third level education are being progressed through the implementation of the six-year National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2008-2013). A mid-term review of this plan is being finalised for publication. This indicates that there is steady progress towards the objectives and targets in the national plan Key achievements include the development of access and lifelong learning plans for all higher education institutions funded by the HEA. These include plans for the continuation and development of programmes of work with young people and adults in schools and communities, particularly those in areas with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and unemployment.

Work has also advanced on the development of broader routes of access, such as the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) for those with a disability. Following the release of the results of the 2011 census, further work will be undertaken on measurement of participation by target socio-economic groups.

Work on supporting the return to education by mature students has included the development of new part-time and flexible learning options, such as the Bluebrick and Labour Market Activation/Springboard initiatives. Significant progress is also being made on the reform and modernisation of student supports through the implementation of the Student Support Act 2011 by the Department of Education and Skills. Other measures to support broader access and participation include the continued allocation of the special rate of student grant, targeting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; the allocation of over €15 million in Third Level Access funding for the direct support of students through the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Student Assistance Fund. In 2011 the core recurrent funding to HEA-funded institutions was developed to include a targeted access element, the allocation of which is now linked to the number of students from target access groups participating in each higher education institution.

Schools Building Projects

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

196 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for new school buildings or extensions in County Mayo in respect of post primary schools; the names of these schools; the status of their applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17481/11]

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

197 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for new school buildings or extensions in County Mayo in respect of primary schools; the names of these schools; the status of their applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17482/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that all information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Applications have been received from 46 primary schools and 17 post primary schools in County Mayo for new school buildings or extensions. The applications are at various stages of the architectual planning process.

I have set out a spreadsheet outlining the current status of these applications for the Deputy's information.

Primary School Projects in Co Mayo

Projects on Site

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

20046M

Gaelscoil na Cruaiche Sraid Altamount

New School

1.1

Tender/Construction

Projects at Tender Stage

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

20142I

Scoil Iosa

Extension

1.4

Tender/Construction

Other Projects in Architectural Planning

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

13667H

SN Muine Chonallain

New School

2.2

Tender/Construction

16122D

Knock NS

Extension

3.1

Ready to appoint DT

Projects where Briefs will be formulated in 2011 and the process of appointing a Design Team will commence

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

19375B

St Brids Special School

Extension

1.2

Selected to progress in 2011

20230F

Scoil Phadraic Westport

New School

1.4

Design Team Appointment

Projects Granted Devolved Funding

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

04796R

Brackloon NS

New School

2.1

Awarded devolved funding for a new 4 classroom school building in July 2010

14205U

SN Mainistir

Extension

2.4

Awarded devolved funding for a new 3 classroom school building in March 2010

Applications for Major Capital Projects

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

05215W

SN Croi Iosa

Refurb

2.6

Application stage

07054L

Cullens NS

Extension

2.2

Design Team to be appointed

11725I

Beheymore NS

Extension

2.1

Application stage

12568A

SN Inbhear

New School

2.2

Application stage

13145A

SN Naomh Colm Cille

Extension

2.4

Application stage

13174H

St Columbas NS

Extension

2.4

Application stage

13383Q

SN an tSraith Bun na hAbhann

Extension

3.1

Application stage

13389F

SN an Trian Lair

Extension

2.1

Application stage

13659I

Beacan Mixed NS

Extension

3.1

Application stage

13797U

Lecanvey NS

Extension

2.5

Application stage

14195U

An Gleanna Mhoir SN

Extension

3.4

Application stage

14671D

SN na Craobhaighe

Extension

2.5

Application stage

14808E

Irishtown NS

Extension

3.1

Application stage

15257V

Quignamanger NS

Extension

2.5

Application stage

16021U

Lisaniska NS

Extension

3.1

Application stage

16173U

Kinaffe NS

Extension

3.1

Application stage

16283E

SN Pol a Tsomais

Extension

3.1

Application stage

16832L

Muirisc NS

Extension

2.1

Application stage

16904K

SN Lainn Cille

Extension

2.1

Application stage

18002D

Drumgallagh NS

Extension

3.2

Application stage

18070U

Convent of Mercy

Extension

2.4

Application stage

18175L

SN Beannchair

Extension

2.5

Application stage

18542M

SN Naomh Padraig

Extension

2.3

Application stage

18561Q

SN Naomh Ioseph

Extension

2.4

Application stage

19248R

St Anthonys Sepcial School

Extension

1.2

Application stage

19402B

Ballyvary Central NS

Extension

2.4

Application stage

19451O

Newport Central

Extension

1.2

Application stage

19808G

Tavarane Central NS

Extension

3.2

Application stage

19812U

Foxford Central NS

Extension

1.2

Application stage

19832D

Scoil Raifteiri

Extension

2.5

Application stage

19903A

Kiltimagh Central

Extension

2.5

Application stage

19972T

SN Uileog De Burca

New School

2.2

Application stage

20037L

SN Padraig Naofa

Extension

2.5

Application stage

20084U

Gaelscoil Bheal an Atha Corrai Mhuireann

New School

2.2

Application stage

20256A

Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Trianláir

Extension

2.2

Application stage

20275E

Scoil Iosa

New School

1.4

Application stage

New Applications received in 2010/2011

Roll No

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

Date Received

08302J

Holy Trinity NS

New School

2.2

Application stage

Jun-10

18712L

SN Cnoc Ruscaighe

Extension

2.5

Application stage

Apr-11

Special Educational Needs

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

198 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the current situation regarding special needs assistants. [17484/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

This number is 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It also represents continual increases in the number of SNAs over recent years.

It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and intend to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding special needs assistants in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [17485/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and are currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

200 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the training in the assessment of children with special needs that special education needs officers have received to enable them to determine if a post-primary pupil requires a special needs assistant. [17489/11]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

201 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the training in the evaluation and appraisal of post-primary teacher’s classroom management skills and practice that special education needs officers, SENOs, have received. [17490/11]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

202 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances in which a special education needs officers may over-rule a specific and explicit recommendation by a consultant child psychiatrist that a pupil being treated by him should have access to a special needs assistant. [17491/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 to 202, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which was established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004 (EPSEN Act) has responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs through its regional Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). The NCSE also responsibility for planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services for students with special educational needs, in accordance with DES policy. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating supports which now includes a a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The responsibility for deciding on the quantum of educational resources to be allocated to pupils with special educational needs resides with the NCSE through the SENO. The consideration of professional reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. The NCSE has outlined the processes involved in the consideration of applications for special needs supports in its Circular 01/05 which is available on www.ncse.ie.

The co-operation and co-ordination of the education and health sectors is critical in the planning and delivery of services to children with special educational needs. The NCSE circular 03/08, which is also available on www.ncse.ie, clarifies the respective roles and functions of the NCSE and the HSE and their respective personnel in carrying out assessments of and sanctioning resources to support children with special educational needs.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

203 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if special needs assistants are specifically designated for the assistance of named pupils or may a school deploy them across a group of students. [17492/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.

The qualifying criteria for the allocation of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support is outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02. The recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

School Curriculum

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

204 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [17518/11]

As part of both the primary and post-primary level school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. The programmes in Irish offered at both levels have the capacity to cater for a wide diversity of abilities.

Departmental circular M10/94 applies to post primary schools funded by my Department and sets out the exceptional circumstances where an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to post primary pupils. Under the terms of this circular, delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, is vested in school management.

At post-primary level French is not a compulsory subject for the Junior Certificate, traditional Leaving Certificate or Applied Leaving Certificate programmes. However as part of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) a modern European language, such as French, is a requirement. A LCVP student may be exempted from the study of a modern European language where he/she already has an exemption from the study of Irish.

With regard to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that the student's parents/guardians should make a written application to the management of the school in which the student is enrolled, clearly stating the grounds on which they are seeking an exemption from the study of Irish.

School Transport

James Bannon

Ceist:

205 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason persons (details supplied) whose children have been using school transport for the past seven years are now deemed ineligible and have been told that they will have to pay €400 for two children, which they cannot afford, leaving them without any means of getting the children to and from school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17545/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960's. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area. However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available. While my Department acknowledges the importance of school transport, my Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike.

The changes to school transport services relating to the Closed School Rule were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.

It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR). The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport.

This change to school transport provision means that the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis.

In line with the terms of the national primary school transport scheme, children residing less than 3.2 kms may only apply for concessionary transport subject to a number of conditions including payment of a charge, currently of €200 per annum. There is no exemption from this charge.

School Premises

Derek Keating

Ceist:

206 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider directing that all schools funded by the State where practicable make the school premises and halls available to local communities in the evening time and at weekends and during the long holiday periods; if he will address the difficulties to be overcome relating to insurance and that a caretaker has to be present at all times as surely these matters can be addressed and a valuable community resource can be made available to local residents, organisations and youth groups as is the practice in other European countries; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17556/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the curriculum. In addition, the Deputy might note that school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level.

However, I do recognise that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to Trustees, Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools in March 2005 urging Trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes.

Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.

My Department has also progressed a number of school building projects within the Fingal County area of Dublin with the Local Authority and Developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. I believe this model can be used to advantage across the country in future particularly in the area of shared community facilities.

My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use. Of utmost importance, schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that the school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.

School Transport

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

207 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the proposed changes to the primary school transport scheme will have implications for a particular service (details supplied). [17588/11]

The changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.

These changes include the requirement that a minimum of 10 eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, will be required to retain or establish a school transport service from 2011/12 school year.

Bus Éireann who operate the Primary School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department has advised that to date less than the ten required eligible pupils are offering for transport for the 2011/12 school year from the area outlined by the Deputy. As this service will fall under the minimum number of 10 eligible pupils, this service will be withdrawn for the 2011/12 school year.

As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.

School Curriculum

Michael Creed

Ceist:

208 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills his role regarding the review of the junior cycle being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment; the timeframe envisaged for this review; if his attention has been drawn to concerns being expressed by history teachers regarding the changes envisaged for teaching to junior cycle students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17654/11]

Under Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, the curriculum in schools is subject to my approval, following any consultation considered appropriate with the partners in education and the advice of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.

The Council has completed a public consultation process and is finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council's advice in the Autumn. In advance of receipt of the detail of these proposals, it would not be appropriate for me to set out a definitive timeframe for implementation at this stage.

I would like to see movement on this for students entering second level in September 2012, but detailed implementation will need to be considered in the context of the proposals being presented and the resources available, and the need to prioritise the national literacy and numeracy strategy.

I am aware that teachers of history and geography have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory. The requirement to study history and geography in a secondary school but to have different options in vocational schools is a historical anomaly which is no longer appropriate. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. The importance of history and geography in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.

School Staffing

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

209 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if urgent consideration will be given to a request by a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan in relation to its staffing situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17655/11]

I wish to confirm that an application form has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy for a residual balance of resource teaching hours for 2011/12.

The application form will be processed in due course and the school will be advised accordingly.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

210 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18174/11]

The following table shows the amounts spent by my Department in 2010 and 2011 on contracts for outsourced IT Services. None of these contracts involve any subcontracting. The information for agencies under the aegis of the Department is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. However, if the Deputy has any particular agency in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

Supplier

Service

2010

2011 (projected)

Serco

School Administration Software

€1,957,885

€276,700

Dataset

School Administration Software

€35,070

€ 12,460

Local Government Computer Services Board

Hosting of Department’s website

€6,712

€7,000

Local Government Computer Services Board

Hosting of European Social Fund in Ireland website

€2,174

€2,500

Building Design Partnership Consulting Engineers

Development work for www.energyeducation.ie

€12,095

€5,080

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

211 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18195/11]

The majority of the information sought by the Deputy is publicly available on the internet.

The grades and payscales as at 1 January 2010 for the following categories of staff in the education sector are available on the Circular list on the Department's website at http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/circular_listing.htm:

Teacher

Special Needs Assistant

Clerical Officers employed under the terms of the Department's 1978 Scheme

Caretakers employed under the terms of the Department's 1979 Scheme

School Secretaries in Community and Comprehensive Schools

School Maintenance Staff in Community and Comprehensive Schools

VEC non-teaching staff

CEO of City of Dublin VEC

Adult Education Officers

Guidance Counsellors and Co-ordinators

Adult Education Guidance Information Officers

Adult Literacy Organisers

Community Education Facilitators

Psychologists (City and County Dublin VECs)

Directors of Senior Traveller Training Centres

VTOS Co-ordinators

Youthreach Co-ordinators and Resource Persons

A list of grades and payscales as at 1 January 2010 of staff employed in the following universities is available on each university's website:

University College Dublin: http://www.ucd.ie/hr/add/salary_scales/scales.htm

University College Cork: http://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/salaryscales/Salary-Scales-2011-(all-2011-changes)-(2).pdf

NUI Galway: http://www.nuigalway.ie/payscales/

NUI Maynooth: http://humanresources.nuim.ie/documents/SalaryScalesPre95coversheet.pdfhttp://humanresources.nuim.ie/documents/SalaryScalesPost95coversheet.pdf

Trinity College: http://www.tcd.ie/Staff_Office/hrteam/planning-payroll/payroll/scales.php

The first spreadsheet lists the grades and payscales in Dublin City University, the University of Limerick and in other third level institutions. A list of grades and payscales in the Institutes of Technology sector is also set out. The third spreadsheet lists the pay rates for posts coming within the remit of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector.

It should be noted that with effect from 1 January 2011, there is a 10% reduction in pay for all new entrants to the public service.

Posts coming within remit of Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector

1/1/10

1/1/10

Non PPC

PPC

Heads: Level I

Trinity College, Dublin

€202,118

€212,755

University College, Dublin

€202,118

€212,755

University College, Cork

€202,118

€212,755

NUI, Galway

€202,118

€212,755

Heads: Level II

Dublin City University

€193,843

NUI, Maynooth

€184,150

€193,843

University of Limerick

€193,843

Registrars/Secretaries/Bursars: Level I

Trinity College, Dublin

€151,800

€156,249

University College, Dublin

€151,800

€156,249

University College, Cork ( Vice President for Academic Affairs & Bursar/Chief Financial Officer)

€151,800

€156,249

NUI, Galway

€151,800

€156,249

Registrars/Secretaries/Bursars: Level 2

Dublin City University

€151,800

NUI, Maynooth

€146,001

€151,800

University of Limerick

€151,800

Institutes of Technology

IT Director Level I — Cork, Galway/Mayo and Waterford

€156,630

IT Director Level II — Directors of other I.T.s

€151,800

Dublin Institute of Technology

President

€193,843

Directors

€145,952

Colleges of Education

President, Mary Immaculate

€145,328

President, St. Patrick’s College

€145,328

Principal, Church of Ireland College of Education

€120,822

Director, NCAD

€145,952

Professors

1/1/10

1/1/10

Non PPC

PPC

Assoc. Professors NUIG

€ 123,672

€ 130,180

Professors

€ 108,048

€ 113,604

€ 114,068

€ 120,049

€ 120,199

€ 126,525

€ 126,351

€ 133,001

€ 132,503

€ 139,478

€ 138,655

€ 145,952

CHURCH OF IRELAND COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

1/1/10

Principal

€ 120,822

Senior Lecturer 7

€ 68,471

€ 71,085

€ 73,713

€ 76,343

€ 78,952

€ 81,581

€ 84,208

Lecturer & Librarian

€ 50,159

€ 59,247

€ 62,470

€ 65,690

€ 68,836

€ 71,987

€ 75,127

€ 78,267

€ 81,403

Assistant Lecturer

€ 46,475

€ 49,510

€ 52,631

€ 57,801

€ 65,513

€ 68,351

€ 71,184

€ 74,029

€ 76,854

Maintenance Person

€ 29,878

€ 30,424

€ 30,968

€ 31,508

€ 32,055

€ 32,595

€ 33,139

€ 33,668

Assistant Maintenance/Grounds

€ 26,774

Person

€ 27,417

€ 28,044

€ 28,666

€ 29,280

€ 29,878

House Services Manager

€ 40,211

€ 41,518

€ 42,828

€ 44,154

€ 45,459

LSI I — payable after 3 years on the max

€ 46,986

LSI II — payable after 6 years on the max

€ 48,496

Senior Lecturer 9

€ 68,466

€ 71,085

€ 73,711

€ 76,343

€ 78,951

€ 81,582

€ 84,208

€ 86,834

€ 89,453

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

212 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if grant aid for equipment is available to a new business start up in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17097/11]

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The CEB's unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.

I would advise the promoter to contact their appropriate CEB; Kerry County Enterprise Board in the first instance to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. The Board is located at the County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry; Phone No: 066 718 3522, Fax No: 066 712 6712: Email: kerryceb@kerrycoco.ie Website: www.kerryenterprise.ie

To be eligible for CEB grant support an enterprise must be in the commercial sphere, must demonstrate a market for the proposed product/service, must have a capacity for growth and new job creation and must not employ more than 10 people. CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation Study Grants. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise.

In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

213 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be permitted to operate at a location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17197/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to licences for selling goods under the Casual Trading Act, 1995.

The selling of goods in public places is governed by the Casual Trading Act, 1995. Under this legislation the regulation of selling goods in public places is devolved to the 88 local authorities entitled to make bye laws under the Act. The bye laws made by local authorities under the Act deal with such matters as the fee to be paid, the location of casual trading areas (or trading pitches), access to trading pitches, the hours within which selling may take place, etc. Any person selling goods in a public place covered by local authority bye laws must be the holder of a casual trading licence issued by the local authority. Thus the question of traders who wish to sell goods in a specific place should be more properly addressed to the local authority in the area in which they wish to trade. I have no direct function in the issuing of these licences.

A local authority may refuse to grant a casual trading licence if (a) the person fails to furnish a completed application form, (b) the person fails to pay the appropriate fee and (c) a trading place is not available. There is also provision for a local authority to refuse the grant of a licence to persons convicted of offences under the Act.

EU Directives

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

214 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding transposing the EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work 2008 into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16982/11]

EU Member States are required to transpose the provisions of the EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work (2008/14/EC) into national law by 5 December 2011.

A central objective of the Directive is that Member States afford protection to temporary agency workers by applying the principle of equal treatment in terms of the basic working and employment conditions e.g. pay, annual holidays etc. to agency workers in the same way as applies to workers that are directly recruited by a hirer undertaking to do the same job.

My Department initiated a public consultation on the national transposition of the directive in October last. Observations were provided by a number of stakeholders and interested parties and this has resulted in follow-up bilateral meetings between my Department and a number of respondents to further elaborate on positions. This is now informing the preparation of draft legislation by my Department to be approved by the Government in advance of the publication of a Bill. The timeline for publication of the Bill will have regard to the tight legislative timeline in order to meet the transposition deadline.

An important feature of the Directive is the possibility for the conclusion of a Framework Agreement, by the social partners at the national level which would allow for a "waiting period" to apply before equal treatment applies. In the UK, the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress concluded a Framework Agreement that allows for a waiting period of 12 weeks before equal treatment will apply. The Government attaches significant importance to the conclusion of a Framework Agreement in the context of Ireland's national transposition in order to maintain our cost competitiveness vis-à-vis our main trading partners in Europe and we will be working with the Social Partners towards that end.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

215 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17052/11]

The two Ministers of State at my Department are Mr. John Perry, T.D., who has responsibility for Small Business and Mr. Sean Sherlock, T.D., who has responsibility for Research and Innovation.

The responsibilities for Minister of State Perry include maintaining a key focus on the needs of small business and entrepreneurs and ensuring that the interests of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland are taken into account in the development and execution of policy initiatives at national, EU and OECD levels, including eBusiness initiatives. His role also incorporates legal metrology, implementation of the restructuring of the County and City Enterprise Boards, driving the Better Business Regulation agenda, promoting greater access to procurement opportunities for SMEs, developing the Green Economy, and overseeing coordination and ongoing rollout of Internal market policy generally including coordination of Ireland's position on the EU's Single Market Act.

The responsibilities for Minister of State Sherlock cover a broad range of activities across science, technology, innovation and intellectual property where Ireland's performance will be critical to recovery and future economic prosperity. A key focus will be driving the Innovation and Commercialisation commitments of the Programme for Government. Specific responsibilities include the Programme for Research in Third Level institutions, promoting industry collaboration with the Third Level sector, transforming Research and Development activity in enterprise, realising the commercial potential of Ireland's research, working with Science Foundation Ireland to build and excellent science base in strategic areas relevant to the competitiveness of enterprise, and a range of other non-legislative functions.

Delegation of Functions Orders giving effect to these functions were signed by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D., on 24 May 2011.

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

216 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in relation to attendance at Ministerial Councils for which he has responsibility since the formation of the Government; if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting. [17063/11]

My Department has the lead responsibility for the Competitiveness Council and for the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (ESPHCA). When the Foreign Affairs Council considers trade matters, such matters also come within the remit of my Department.

The Competitiveness Council itself is sub-divided into industry, internal market and research issues.

The following Tables list the number of Formal and Informal Competitiveness Council meetings, ESPHCA meetings and Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council meetings and attendees or otherwise for the period 9 March 2011 to 27 June 2011.

Formal and Informal Competitiveness Councils 9 March 2011 — 27 June 2011

Attendance

9 March 2011 (Formal)

Deputy Permanent Representative

11-13 April 2011 (Informal)

Mr Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation

30-31 May (Formal)30 May 31 May

Mr Richard Bruton TD Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation Mr Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation

27 June (Extraordinary Formal)

Mr Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation

Formal and Informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Affairs Council 9 March 2011-27 June 2011

Attendance

17 June (Formal)

Ms Joan Burton TD Minister for Social Protection

Formal and Informal Foreign Affairs (Trade) Councils 9 March 2011-27 June 2011

Attendance

13 May 2011 (Formal)

Mr Richard Bruton TD Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation

Enterprise Support Services

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

217 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he or a relevant State agency will take a hands-on role in establishing business incubation centres, rather than requiring local groups to set them up and manage them. [17143/11]

This Government has made its commitment to ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to facilitate an environment where enterprise can flourish and sustainable jobs can be created clear through its Programme for Government, which outlines the measures that will be explored to maximise enterprise development.

The establishment of business incubation centres on higher education campuses across Ireland is supported by capital investment from my Department's Vote, provided through Enterprise Ireland (EI). Such facilities are internationally recognised as an important element of public assistance for technology-intensive start-ups. They differ from other types of space in the supportive environment in that they offer client companies services such as:

Business mentoring from a dedicated centre manager and a local network of experts;

The opportunity to leverage academic R&D expertise;

Access to specialised facilities that they could not themselves typically afford;

Student placements and recruitment;

Fostered networking with other start-ups in the centres and more widely.

E.I. has invested over €50m in these facilities that operate in nearly every Institute of Technology and university in the country. They typically comprise a number of incubation units, some hot-desking space for prospective entrepreneurs as well as ancillary space, such as meeting rooms and networking areas. There are currently 276 companies in the 21 facilities operational across Ireland, employing over 1,100 people and operating in a range of areas, including software, environmental technologies and digital media.

EI has also rolled out four schemes to support communities to develop locally owned Community Enterprise Centres, (CECs) which have enabled entrepreneurs to establish, provide employment and to grow their businesses in their own locality, by providing a physical and human support network for emerging entrepreneurs and micro industry. The CEC scheme was designed as a community led initiative in the form of a partnership between the local community and the State. Its objective has been to enhance the development of an enterprise climate through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation in both urban and rural locations.

Since the launch of this initiative €61.4 million has been approved for the development of CECs across the country and this capital investment has facilitated the development of 134 centres, of which 108 have been completed with the balance either under construction or just recently approved. Of the completed centres, the most recent data (2009) shows that they currently house 901 companies providing employment for 4,870 people.

Additionally, support is provided through EI for the part funding of Business Innovation Centres (BICs), which are regionally based support organisations for pre-start-up and start-up enterprises and innovative existing companies. There are four BICs located in Dublin, Galway Cork and Waterford, all providing incubation space to assist fledgling businesses start, establish and then to move on, so that vacated space can be used for other new start-up businesses. A key feature of space managed by the BICs, is that the start up company not only gets space, but often also gets free business advice and access to facilities such as meeting rooms with audio visual equipment and to shared services such as a receptionist/telephonist, shared photocopiers and printers.

In line with the Government focus on job creation I will ensure that there is a continual focus on the provision of adequate incubation space.

Job Losses

Dan Neville

Ceist:

218 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to a recent announcement by a company (details supplied) that it is moving more than 130 Irish jobs currently engaged in providing customer care services to offshore locations within the group in India and Egypt, if he will request the company to at least postpone its decision for a couple of years on the basis that it has enjoyed the support of its Irish customers and its hardworking staff who between them have ensured that the company has enjoyed handsome profits over the years. [17160/11]

I am very concerned about the job losses that have been announced and of the impact that they have had on the workers concerned and their families as well as the communities affected.

I understand that Vodafone Ireland, which is not an IDA or EI client, has announced this as a part of a review of its European operations and which will also impact on its operations in other EU Member States. I am advised, as part of this process, that the company has been in discussions with unions and its Irish Call Centre contract partner, Rigney Dolphin. I am aware that Vodafone has decided that a portion of the existing contracted call centre operations in Dundalk and Dublin will be moved to other locations — Egypt and India — within the Vodafone Group and to other specialist contractors in Ireland.

This decision will impact 45 Vodafone roles and 139 in Rigney Dolphin — the 139 staff are employed by Rigney Dolphin but are in-sourced to Vodafone and are based at its sites in Dublin and Dundalk. I have been assured that Rigney Dolphin will work through the implications of the redundancies with their employees.

I also understand that all impacted Vodafone employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to alternative roles within Vodafone Ireland, and voluntary redundancy packages will be offered. A consultation process is now underway with all Vodafone employees affected by the decision to finalise the alternatives available. The changes to Vodafone Call Centre operations will take place in late 2011 and early 2012.

My officials and Minister of State Sean Sherlock recently met with Vodafone. The company explained that in the current market environment, cost efficiencies are a prerequisite so as to ensure their continued ability to compete in the Irish market where they employ over 1,000 people. In particular, this includes being in a position to make major funding investments in Ireland that will be required in the future to compete in the market. I have indicated that I am available to meet with the Communications Workers Union to discuss their concerns.

Job creation is central to economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy.

County Enterprise Boards

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

219 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the proposed restructuring or removal of the county and city enterprise boards (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17181/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the issue of restructuring the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) has been in the public domain since the publication of the McCarty Group Report in 2009 under the last Administration.

The CEB model has served the micro-enterprise sector in Ireland well over the years but there is also no doubt that some restructuring of that model is now required. There have been many changes to the social, economic and technological landscape of Ireland since the establishment of the Boards in 1993. I am of the view that it is timely and appropriate to re-structure, and re-focus, how the State delivers its support to the indigenous micro-enterprise sector given that this Sector will be vital to job creation and to overall economic recovery in Ireland.

Both I, and my officials, are currently seeking to determine the extent to which there should be restructuring of the County and City Enterprise Boards having regard to the Programme for Government, and to other recommendations on CEB restructuring, to the need to achieve a rational and focused model for entrepreneurs, as well as the need to ensure that there is targeted local delivery of enterprise support, driven by a national enterprise policy, in a manner which eliminates overlap and duplication.

In relation to funding, an annual Exchequer allocation is provided each year for the operation of the CEBs. The Exchequer allocation is made in the context of the overall public finances and in 2011 amounts to €27.242m, of which €15m in Capital is available for direct grants and training, mentoring and advice services to micro-enterprise clients. The bulk of the non-capital allocation to each CEB pays the salaries of the Business Advisers and other staff who provide direct advice and mentoring to client companies. This represents a strong investment in the micro-enterprise sector, notwithstanding the additional level of demand on CEB services generated in the current difficult economic climate.

The CEB Central Coordination Unit (within Enterprise Ireland) works closely with the CEBs throughout the year reviewing individual expenditures to ensure that the funding allocated to the CEBs is utilised to the maximum extent possible. It is a matter in the first instance for individual CEBs to determine how they will use allocated funds. Some Boards may choose to commit all of their available funding as projects present themselves, even if this means that their funding is committed relatively early in the year, while others may choose to reserve some funding until later in the year so that they are in a position to support other high quality projects that emerge at that time. Should it arise during the year that some Boards are not in a position to spend all of their annual allocation, for example where an approved grant is decommitted late in the year if the project has not started, it is reallocated to any Boards that are in a position to spend additional funds within the year.

There is undoubtedly a high level of demand on CEBs resources at present and the matter will continue to be monitored by the CEB Central Coordination Unit.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

220 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17242/11]

The allowance rates and the regulations governing the application of the rates payable by my Department are set by the Department of Finance.

A motor mileage allowance is payable to Ministers and Ministers of State in respect of the use of their own cars on travel related to their office. Each Minister or Minister of State is responsible separately for any capital costs as well as depreciation, comprehensive insurance, maintenance and petrol.

The mileage rates vary according to the engine size of the car. In the case of each engine-size category, a lower rate applies to miles claimed in respect of official business in excess of 6,437 kilometres (4,000 miles) in any year. The current rates are set out in the table.

Rates per Kilometres

Official Motor Travel in a Calendar Year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc to and over

Up to 6,437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6,438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

County Enterprise Boards

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

221 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether there is a high variability in the performance of county enterprise boards; the steps he will take to ensure high, consistent performance across CEBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17321/11]

The principal role of all 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) is to provide support for the micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases, to develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The criteria under which financial assistance is available from the CEBs is based primarily on factors such as the sector of the economy in which an enterprise is operating or intends to operate and the size, or proposed size, of the enterprise. The enterprise must be in the commercial sphere, must demonstrate a market for the proposed product/service, must have a capacity for growth and new job creation and must not employ more than 10 people.

All CEBs must give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and they must always consider any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from the provision of assistance to a proposed enterprise.

The CEBs can offer both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial intervention, which are available, subject to certain restrictions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion Grants and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice and information services, management capability training and development programmes, e-Commerce training initiatives etc. Training courses can include such topics as start-your-own-business, taxation for beginners, internet marketing, ideas generation and negotiation skills.

Individual CEBs carry out their activities in accordance with standard Operating Agreements which are monitored by the CEB Central Coordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland ensuring a consistency across all CEBs. Although all CEBs thus work off an identical set of eligibility criteria and an identical suite of financial interventions, there are certain differences between CEBs as to how they apply these interventions e.g. the individual level of a grant or the refundability level applying to a grant payment may vary. I am of the view that it is appropriate and feasible to allow individual Boards a level of discretion and flexibility in the way in which they provide financial assistance, and deliver their "soft supports", so as to enable them to take account of the economic conditions and sectoral demands particular to their area of responsibility, the differences in requirements and emphasis and the overall budget available to them in any given year.

Industrial Relations

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

222 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the dialogue he has had with the trade union movement in relation to the proposed changes to the joint labour committees. [16160/11]

On 24 May last, the Government decided to publish the Report of the Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms.

The Report's overall finding is that the basic framework of the current JLC/REA regulatory system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions.

To coincide with the publication of the report, I immediately requested a meeting with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to hear that organisation's views on the Report and to outline my proposals to address the report's recommendations and other issues raised in the report. That meeting took place on 1st June. It afforded me an opportunity to hear the views of the Congress regarding the particular circumstances of workers in the sectors affected by the current regulatory framework and the practical issues affecting the implementation of reform in these wage-setting mechanisms.

I also held discussions with the Construction Industry Federation, IBEC and other employer interests in the sectors covered by statutory wage fixing mechanisms. In accordance with the terms of the EU/IMF programme, discussions have also taken place with representatives of the troika.

These discussions afforded me the opportunity to hear at first hand the views of the main representative bodies of trade unions and employers on how a meaningful and overdue reform might be implemented in these wage-setting mechanisms, which affect key sectors of our economy, in order to protect existing jobs and encourage employment growth.

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

223 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will confirm that any changes contemplated in relation to the joint labour committee system which has served this country since 1946 will in no way detrimentally effect the pay and conditions of employment of the circa 200,000 employees currently covered by the employment regulation order. [17358/11]

The overall finding of the Report of the Review of Employment Regulations Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms was that the basic framework of the current ERO/REA regulatory system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions.

The Report does not recommend, nor have I proposed, specific adjustments in wage rates and other conditions of employment for employees covered by EROs/REAs.

Workers are protected by contracts of employment and proposed reform of the wage setting mechanisms would not if implemented, change the terms of those individual contracts. What is proposed would have the effect of changing how pay and conditions are set in order to make the operation of the machinery more flexible and prevent businesses being left behind by changing economic circumstances. Existing employees would not have their current entitlement affected by future changes to EROs unless (a) it is already stipulated in their contract of employment that they be paid at the prevailing rate of pay and conditions set by the relevant ERO or (b) the application of alternative provisions to those specified in the ERO is agreed between the employer and the employee or the employee's representatives.

The Government is determined to proceed with urgency to a substantial reform of the current JLC/REA regulatory system in order to protect existing jobs in these vulnerable sectors of the economy and to increase the likelihood of employment in these sectors being increased. This will restore competitiveness in key sectors of the economy, including the hospitality sector which is crucial to our tourism product offering, and complement the restoration of the recent cut to the National Minimum Wage thereby providing an adequate floor for lower paid workers.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

224 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18177/11]

The outsourcing of IT contracts by the Agencies of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the Agencies concerned for which I have no function. However, I am referring the specific question to each of the Agencies under my remit with a request to respond to you directly.

You may also wish to note that the Public Service Management and Development Division of the Department of Finance maintains a website at http://www.ict.gov.ie/ on which it provides information regarding its role, inter alia, in monitoring and approving ICT spend in civil and public service bodies, central ICT procurements and frameworks, and common IT systems including payroll and HR Management.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

225 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18189/11]

The following table lists the staff of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation by grade, as at today's date. This figure does not represent staff in the Offices of the Department.

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Secretary General

1

Assistant Secretary

5

Principal Officer

20

Assistant Principal

54.5

Higher Executive Officer

84.53

Executive Officer

114.97

Administrative Officer

6

Staff Officer

17.2

Clerical Officer

140.64

Accountant Grade 1

5

Cleaner

16

Controller

1

Examiner

3

Head Accountant

1

Legal Advisor

2

Min Special Advisor

1

Minister’s PA

3

Civilian Driver

6

Minister’s Personal Secretary

3

Senior Examiner

1

Service Attendant

5

Service Officer

26

Telephonist

2.3

Total

519.14

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €27,564,000

Offices of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at June 2011 by grade.

1. National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Director

1

Principal Officer

2

Assistant Principal

4.60

Higher Executive Officer

10

Administrative Officer

2

Executive Officer

57.30

Clerical Officer

26.53

Total

103.43

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €5,435,000

Total Allocation for non-pay — €1,511,000

2. Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE)

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Director

1

Corporate Compliance Manager

1

Legal Adviser

3

Accountant

2

Principal Solicitor

2

Principal Officer

2

Assistant Principal

4

Higher Executive Officer

9.70

Executive Officer

6.70

Clerical Officer

7.30

Total

39.70

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €2,660,000

Total Allocation for non-pay — €3,307,000

3. Companies Registration Office (CRO) including the Register of Friendly Societies (RFS)

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Legal Adviser

.80

Principal Officer

1

Assistant Principal

3

Higher Executive Officer

10.90

Executive Officer

15.03

Staff Officer

14.75

Clerical Officer

68

Total

113.48

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €4,620,000

Total Allocation for non-pay — €2,808,000

4. Labour Court

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Assistant Principal

1

Higher Executive Officer

2

Executive Officer

8

Clerical Officer

8.70

Member

6

Solicitor

2

Total

28.7

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €2,290,000

Total Allocation for non-pay — €405,000

5. Labour Relations Commission (LRC)

By Grade

Full time Equivalents

Principal Officer

5

Assistant Principal

6

Higher Executive Officer

8.90

Executive Officer

3.73

Staff Officer

1

Clerical Officer

19.50

Member

6

Solicitor

2

Total

44.13

Total Allocation for Salaries, Wages and Allowances — €4,030,000

Total Allocation for non-pay — €1,329,000

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA)

The total number of staff in the H.S.A is 183.7 Job titles within the H.S.A. are listed below

CEO

1

Assistant Chief Executive

4

Programme Manager

4

Assistant Principal (AP)/ AP Higher

6

Inspector Grade 1

17.9

Inspector Grade 11

40.9

Inspector Grade 111

60.7

Higher Executive Officer

13.1

Executive Officer

15.6

Clerical Officer

18.5

Services Officer

2

Total

183.7

Board of HSA

The Health and Safety Authority Board comprises 1 Chairperson and 11 Ordinary Members. The approved fees for membership of the Board of the H.S.A are, €11,970 for the Chairman and €7,695 for all other Directors (per annum).

* The representative of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation does not receive any remuneration.

Annual Wage Bill

The Health and Safety Authority's grant is broken down into pay and non-pay — €13.239m and €7.317m respectively. Of the pay element, €12.397m relates to wages and the balance of €842,000, relates to pensions.

Funding

The Health and Safety Authority's Oireachtas Grant for 2011 is €20.556m (€13.239m — pay grant and €7.317m — non-pay grant).

Shannon Development

Total Number of Staff of Shannon Development is 114.5. Job titles are listed below:

CEO

1

Assistant Chief Executive

1

EI

7

E3B

10

E3A

11

E3

31

E4

17

E5

20

Clerical

16.5

Board of Shannon Development

As at 1st June 2011, Shannon Development has 10 Board Members (including the Chairman).

The approved fees for membership of the Shannon Development Board is €20,520 for the Chairman and €11,970 for all other Directors (per annum).

Annual Wage Bill

The total wages bill for Shannon Development for 2010 was €9.754m. This excludes PRPI's and Supplementary payments to pensioners which Shannon Development funds from own income resources.

Funding

Shannon Development does not receive any E1 funding.

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

SFI currently has 48 staff in place, with 2 vacancies, which make up its sanctioned 50 posts. The job titles of respective staff are listed as follows.

Job Title

Director General

1

Chief Operations Officer/Secretary to the Board

1

Director of Lifesciences

1

Director of Information, Communication & Emergent Technologies

1

Director of Industry Collaborative Programmes

1

Director of Policy & Communications

1

Director Enterprise & International Affairs

1

Head of Audit & Compliance

1

Accounting Manager

1

Unit Executive Assistant-Grants

1

Unit Executive Assistant — Policy & Communications

1

Unit Executive Assistant — Programme Administration Team

5

Personal Assistant-Grants

1

Personal Assistant-Accounts payable

1

Personal Assistant — Enterprise & International Affairs

1

Personal Assistant to the Director General & Executive team

1

Personal Assistant to Executive Team

1

Human Resources Manager

1

Executive Assistant-Human Resources

1

IT Manager

1

IT Helpdesk Analyst

1

Manager Secretariat

1

Scientific Programme Manager

12

Associate Scientific Programme Officer

5

PR/Communications Manager

1

Programme Administration Team (PAT) Leader

1

PAT Administration Manager

2

Enterprise & International Affairs Executive

1

Board of SFI

The SFI Board comprises 12 members, (there is currently 1 vacancy). 2 Board members do not receive any remuneration, as they are serving public servants. Other Board members receive €11,970 per annum, and the Chairperson of the Board receives €20,520 per annum.

SFI central funding

In 2011, SFI has been allocated €175.14 million under Subhead F of the Department's Vote, broken down as follows:

Capital

€160.8m

Pay

€4.68m

Non-Pay

€4.66m

E-Journals

€5m

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (trading as InjuriesBoard.ie) currently has 70 staff. The job titles of respective staff are listed below.

Job Title

CEO

1

Accelerated Director

2

Principal Officer/ Principal Higher

5

Assistant Principal (AP)/ AP Higher

21

Higher Executive Officer

14

Executive Officer

12

Clerical Officer

15

Board of PIAB

There are currently 10 Board members, plus a secretary and Chief Executive.

The approved fees for membership of the Board of PIAB are €20,520 for the Chairman and €11,970 for all other Directors (per annum).

PIAB Salary Budget

Total budgeted salary costs for 2011 for 70 employees including employers PRSI and Pension contribution is €5,601,019.

Funding

InjuriesBoard.ie is self-funding and does not receive any Exchequer funding.

Crafts Council of Ireland

The total number of full time equivalent staff in the Crafts Council of Ireland is 21.6 and their job titles are outlined in the table below.

Job Title

Chief Executive Officer

1

Operations & Finance Manager

1

HR Manager

1

Finance Services Administrator

1

Client Liaison Officer

1

Personal Assistant (2 staff sharing)

1

Client Services Administrator

0.5

Receptionist

0.6

Head of Market Development

1

Retail Programme Manager

1

Retail Executive

1

Exhibitions Manager

1

Collector & Craft Tourism Dev. Manager

1

Gallery Assistant

1

Head of Education

1

Business Development Manager

1

Jewellery Trainer

1

Education Administrator

1

Education Innovation Manager

1

Education Outreach Officer

1

Head of Communications

1

Communications Manager (2 staff sharing)

1

Communications Assistant

0.5

Board of CCol

There are 12 members on the Board of Directors of the Crafts Council of Ireland and the remuneration for the Chairperson is €11,340 p.a. and for the Directors is €7,290 p.a.

Funding

The total grant allocation for 2011 for the Crafts Council of Ireland is €3,919,000, including an additional €1 million granted to the Crafts Council for the funding of the Year of Craft 2011, and the total annual wage bill, as budgeted for 2011, is €1,332,349.

Enterprise Ireland disburses the Crafts Council of Ireland's annual allocation from its budget.

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

There are 13 members of staff in IAASA. Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

Chief Executive Officer

1

Head of Function

3

Project Manager- Professional Staff (Accountants)

6

Head of Finance and Administration

1

Administrative Executive

1

Clerical Support Staff

1

Board

There are 15 members on the Board of IAASA

The approved fees for membership of the Board of IAASA are €11,970 for the Chairman and €7,695 for all other Directors (per annum).

IAASA Wage Bill

The annual wage bill for staff of IAASA for 2011 is €1,496m

Funding

Total Annual Amount of State Funding for Pay€717,000

Total Amount of Exchequer Funding€1,357m

IDA Ireland

The total number of staff in IDA Ireland is 251. Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

CEO

1

Executive Director

2

Divisional Manager

5

Department Manager

19

Section Manager

63

Project Manager

97

Assistant Project Executive

29

Executive Assistant

35

Board Members

Enterprise Ireland has 12 Board members. The Chairman receives €20,520 and Directors receive €11,970 per annum

IDA Salary Costs 2010

Payroll€21.382m

Funding

Oireachtas€124.577m

Enterprise Ireland

The total number of staff in Enterprise Ireland is 813.5 (WTE). Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

CEO

1

Executive Director

4

Divisional Manager

12

Department Manager (PO equivalent)

66

Senior Executive (AP equivalent)

288.5

Executive (HEO equivalent)

143

Administrator (EO equivalent)

103.5

Executive asst. /Clerical asst. (CO equivalent)

81.5

Local Overseas staff / Overseas Graduates

114

Board Members

Enterprise Ireland has 12 Board members. The Chairman receives €20,520 and Directors receive €11,970 per annum

Exchequer Allocations 2011

Payroll€64.326m

Exchequer Funding (breakdown below)€308.982m

Admin/General Expenses €84.3m

Grant to Industry€78.923m

Science and Technology€140.259m

Capital Expenditure€1.0m

Employment Subsidy€4.25m

Workplace Innovation Fund€0.25m

The Exchequer funding figure includes €3.919m, which is passed to the Crafts Council of Ireland. It excludes Exchequer funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

Forfás

The total number of staff in Forfás is 108. Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

CEO

1

Grade 1 — Divisional Manager

2

Level F — Department Manager/Section Manager

11

Level E — SSO-Senior Policy Advisor/Senior Accreditation Officer

32

Level D — Policy Advisor/Corporate Services Executive

26

Level C — Policy Analyst/Assistant Executive

21

Level B — Executive Assistant

12

Level A- /SA — Clerical/Services Assistant

3

Board Members

Forfás has 13 Board members. The Chairman receives €20,520 and Directors receive €11,970 per annum. There are 4 members of the Board that do not receive a fee.

Exchequer Allocations 2011

Payroll€7.302m

Funding€57.294m

National Consumer Agency

The total number of staff of the NCA is 42.8. Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

CEO

1

Principal Officer

2.8

Assistant Principal

3

Higher Executive Officer

9.8

Executive Officer

16.6

Clerical Officer

8

Staff Officer

0.6

Services Officer

1

Board of NCA

There are 9 members on the NCA Board. The Chairman receives €20,520 and Directors receive €11,970 per annum.

Annual wage bill

NCA: €3,598,000

Funding

NCA: Total: €6,279,000, Pay: €3,598,000, Non Pay: €2,681,000

Competition Authority

The total number of staff of the Competition Authority is 40. Job titles are listed in the table below.

Job Title

Chairperson

1

Membersal Officer

3

Divisional Managers

5

Legal Advisers

2

Communications Manager

1

Case Officer

20

Higher Executive Officer

2

Executive Officer

3

Clerical Officer

2

Detective Sergeant, An Garda Siochana (on secondment

1

Board

The Competition Authority has an executive Board comprising the Chairperson and Members and does not have an external Board.

Funding

The Authority received funding of €5.1m this year of which €4.1m is allocated to its pay budget which includes staff pay, employers PRSI, pension contributions etc.

County Enterprise Boards

As of 27th June 2011 there are 130.9 (whole time equivalent) staff in place across the network of 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs).

Each CEB has a staff complement of 1 CEO, 1 Assistant CEO, 1 Business Advisor and 1 or 2 Administrative staff.

Boards of CEBs

Under the terms of their Articles of Association the standard number of Board members in each CEB is fourteen. CEB Board members are not appointed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation but are drawn from various representative groupings such as the local business community, County or City Council, Social Partners etc. No remuneration is paid to CEB Board members.

Funding

The total Exchequer allocation for the 35 CEBs in 2011 is €27.2m of which €8.1m has been allocated for pay purposes.

It was not possible, in the time allowed for the National Standards Authority of Ireland to forward a response. I will request that the NSAI forward an answer to the question directly to the Deputy.

Civil Registration

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

226 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland in Belfast. [17035/11]

Section 46(7) of the Civil Registration Act 2004 provides that for the purposes of receiving a notification of intention to marry, a registrar may require the parties to the intended marriage to provide him or her with such evidence relating to that party's forename, surname, address, marital status, age and nationality as may be specified by the Registrar General. Following representations from foreign embassies relating to the high incidence of suspected marriages of convenience, the Registrar General issued revised guidelines to registrars including the requirement for a birth certificate originating outside the State to bear an apostille stamp, or be authenticated by the embassy or other relevant national authority.

The 1961 Hague Convention provides that countries that are parties to the convention may request the bearer of the relevant document, in this case birth certificates, to obtain an apostille from the authorities that issued the document. An apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the document has been signed, and the name of any authority which has affixed a seal or stamp to the document.

In implementing the policy, the Registrar General has received legal advice to the effect that it is not permissible to discriminate as between persons born in another jurisdiction, either by exempting or targeting persons born in specific countries. The Registrar General is also advised that the birth records of persons born in the State must be checked. There is no requirement for the latter records to be authenticated by another authority, as the registrar taking notice of intention to marry is in a position to do this.

Marriages of convenience are a very serious matter, as they often involve trafficking of vulnerable women in certain EU countries, and associated criminality. Feedback from foreign embassies is to the effect that the measure is effective, as it requires the person concerned to contact their embassy or other national authority to obtain authentication of the birth certificate. In such circumstances, the embassy or national authority may provide advice and counselling to the person and/or refer them to appropriate social services.

Community Development

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

227 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection if the information, communication and technology community office at a location (details supplied), formerly funded by Pobail which closed in March 2011 will be re-opened and funded by North and East Kerry Development. [17037/11]

My understanding is that the Deputy is referring to a service that was previously part funded under the Community Services Programme and which had grant support withdrawn due to audit findings that were not adequately addressed by the board members of the Company holding the contract. Given the situation, the Deputy will appreciate that service providers that do not meet the standards set for the management and application of public funds will not be approved for further support. I have no proposal for the re-establishment of the services in this part of County Kerry. Should a proposal be advanced, my Department will consider it against the criteria set out for the Community Services Programme and the context of the available funds. The Deputy will wish to note that the Community Services Programme operates on a community business and social enterprise model that requires service providers to generate a significant level of the resources required for the delivery and development of the services proposed from non-public sources.

Community Employment Programme

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

228 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the extension of a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied). [17080/11]

As Minister for Social Protection I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases in regard to the operation of the Community Employment (CE) programme. The administration of individual cases under CE is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act, 1987, as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010.

Extensions of a CE placement have to be requested a minimum of eight weeks before the participant's proposed finish date by the CE Project Supervisor. Once an extension application is received by the local FÁS office, the FÁS Development Officer decides whether the extra year's placement is the most suitable and cost effective measure to assist the client in gaining employment. Clients who are deemed job-ready by the Supervisor are not extended in order to free up the place for another client. If no request for an extension is requested then the person must leave the scheme and re-qualify under the published eligibility rules for any further participation on the CE scheme.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

229 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is grant or funding available to young persons on jobseeker’s benefit who are commencing farm courses beginning in September, to help them with costs involved in doing the courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17299/11]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) is one of a range of activation supports and policies with the objective of assisting social welfare recipients to improve their life chances by facilitating access to employment, work experience, education and training. The focus of the back to education allowance scheme is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system.

A person wishing to pursue BTEA will have to satisfy a number of conditions such as being a certain age, being in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment such as jobseekers' benefit for a specified time period, pursuing a full time course of study in a recognised college and progressing in the level of education held by the client with reference to the national framework of qualifications.

For BTEA purposes the course being pursued, including ‘farm courses' must be full-time and must lead to a qualification that is:

recognised by the Department of Education and Skills or,

has Further Education and Training Awards Council recognition (FETAC) or,

has Higher Education and Training Awards Council recognition(HETAC).

BTEA is paid at the maximum personal rate of the social welfare payment that qualifies the person and in addition an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable.

Participants of part-time courses may qualify for the part-time education option (PTEO) available under the jobseeker schemes. The PTEO enables unemployed persons to attend part-time courses of education or training and retain their jobseekers allowance or jobseekers benefit provided they continue to satisfy the conditions of the jobseeker scheme, including being available for and genuinely seeking employment.

Under the PTEO, payment continues for the duration of the jobseeker's claim. A person on jobseeker's benefit who exhausts his/her benefit will have to apply for jobseekers allowance in the normal way. Jobseekers allowance is subject to a means test. Participation under the PTEO does not confer any additional or extended entitlement to a social welfare payment nor are any additional allowances paid in conjunction with it.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

230 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views regarding welfare allowance in respect of a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17796/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

262 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection in recognising the important role played by residential rehabilitation programmes in tackling the drugs crisis and that many clients in residential detox centres participate as part of probation and noting one of the objectives of the National Drug Strategy is to encourage problem substance users to engage with, and avail of, rehabilitation services, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that clients of residential services who were on jobseeker’s allowance have had their welfare reduced to supplementary welfare allowance and that this has two serious negative implications, namely clients are not eligible for labour market programmes exiting residential programmes because they are not six months on jobseeker’s allowance, and the detox centres depend on clients contributions to pay for the facility therefore a cut in social welfare means a serious cut in contributions; her views on this matter and the steps she will take in response of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17296/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 262 together.

The jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. It is a fundamental qualifying condition for these benefits that a person must be available for full-time work. In general, persons attending full-time residential programmes will not satisfy these criteria.

However, legislative provisions provide that a person is deemed to be available for work on any day in respect of which s/he is participating in a course of rehabilitation training provided by an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children for that purpose.

In this context, further information is required regarding the particular circumstances of the cases being raised. In this regard, officials will be in contact with both Deputies to establish the precise details involved so that a full reply may issue as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

231 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16987/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that no application for rent supplement has been received in respect of the person concerned.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

232 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16994/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 April 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Questions Nos. 233 and 234 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

235 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent supplement and support in respect of a persons (details supplied) in Dubln 5. [17006/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned on 20th June 2011. A decision on entitlement will be made in due course.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 102 and 103 of the 16 June 2011, if it is possible to give an indicative date for a decision in view of the ongoing hardship and distress caused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17023/11]

Further to my reply given to the Deputy on 16th June 2011, I wish to advise him that the position in respect of this case remains the same. While every effort is being made to process this appeal as expeditiously as possible, it is not feasible to give a date as to when a decision will be made in this case.

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

237 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the habitual residence condition review as part of the one parent family claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17031/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, has partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

238 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will have investigations made into the way a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused jobseeker’s allowance several times on foot of an anonymous report supposedly in September 2010 when no investigation of such a report was carried out as required prior to or since their payment being stopped; if it is contrary to the guidelines issued to deciding officers by her which states that natural justice requires that the claimant be afforded an opportunity of challenging and confronting the person concerned and that information given in confidence in letters containing allegations of abuse should not be available to the deciding officer when making a decision, the decision would be invalid under the rules of natural justice if the deciding officer or appeals officer was, or might appear to have been, influenced by information that was not disclosed to the claimant and which the claimant had no opportunity to rebut. [17086/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

239 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused jobseeker’s allowance on habitual residency conditions despite being an Irish citizen living in Ireland all their life. [17087/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

240 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused jobseeker’s allowance on grounds that their centre of interest is not in the State, when it is clearly the case that Ballina, County Mayo, is their centre of interest and that they have clearly tried to locate work in one of Ireland's large towns and in the immediate vicinity. [17088/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 240, inclusive, together.

A claim by the person concerned for Jobseeker's Allowance was made to the Department on 27 April 2011 and was disallowed on the grounds that he was not habitually resident and that he had not shown he was available for or genuinely seeking work. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal from the person concerned was registered on 13 May and was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The person concerned originally applied for jobseeker's allowance on 6 October 2009. This claim was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he was not habitually resident in the state, having only arrived in the State on 2/10/09. This decision was upheld by an Appeals Officer on a summary basis on 18 August 2010. The case was re-opened for review by way of an oral hearing which was heard in March 2011. While this claim was pending the person concerned claimed and was paid Supplementary Welfare Allowance. The anonymous report referred to by the Deputy was made to the control section of the Department in Carrick-on-Shannon on 18/8/10 and forwarded to HSE West in connection with that claim.

On foot of this report, his claim to Supplementary Welfare Allowance was reviewed and the outcome was that it was disallowed on the basis the person did not satisfy the habitual residence condition. This decision was also appealed to the SWAO and both this appeal and the re-opened Jobseeker's Allowance appeal were heard together in March 2011. The allegations made in the anonymous report were on the file forwarded to the appeals office in connection with the Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeal. On this basis, the Appeals Officer who heard the case orally in March 2011 raised the report with the appellant and afforded him the opportunity to comment on it. The allegations were refuted by the person concerned.

Having considered the overall circumstances and taking into consideration all the evidence presented at the oral hearing, the Appeals Officer was not satisfied that the appellant could be considered to have a settled, permanent or habitual residence in the State. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

241 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive a date for an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17111/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

242 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly and arrange to hold an oral hearing to allow the appellant to state their case in person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17112/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision was issued on 17 May 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

The legislation also provides that an Appeals Officer may decide a case before him/her on the basis of the documentary evidence. This course of action was taken in the case of the person concerned as it was considered that an oral hearing was not warranted. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

243 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17114/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officers decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

244 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension appeal has been received and accepted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17115/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision was issued on 27 October 2010. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Damien English

Ceist:

245 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive an oral hearing in relation to an appeal on the decision to refuse disability allowance: the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17118/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

246 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied). [17119/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but she/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 247 withdrawn.

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

248 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [17126/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

249 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17138/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has partially allowed the Carer's Allowance appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

250 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the action she will take to address the backlog in the social welfare appeals office where case delays of over ten months are being experienced; if action will be taken to address the underlying reasons for the many appeals being submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17153/11]

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the overall average waiting time for an appeal dealt with by way of a summary decision in 2010 was 27.4 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing was 45.6 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.

In an effort to reduce these processing times, the Department has made nine additional appointments to the office in recent weeks. These assignments will augment the 3 appointments made to the Office in 2010, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers serving in the office to 29. In addition, since July 2010, 8 retired Appeals Officers, equating to a 3 further full-time officers, have been assisting on a strictly part-time basis with the backlogs of appeals and it is intended that they will be employed until the end of the year.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office and the Department engage with each other on an ongoing basis with a view to improving decision making by Deciding Officers and also with a view to improving the time taken to respond to appeals. This is achieved through meetings with various areas of the Department, including, in particular the Decisions Advisory Office which is tasked with ensuring that decisions are consistent and of good quality.

While 12,029 (47%) appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant in 2010, almost two thirds of these decisions (7,282) were in fact revised decisions made by Deciding Officers, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose as a result, in many cases, of new facts or fresh evidence produced by claimants after the original decision on their claim. In such cases an Appeals Officer decision was not necessary. In addition, it should be noted that of the 17,499 appeals decided by Appeals Officers, a total of 12,752 (73%) upheld the original decision of the Deciding Officer.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Creed

Ceist:

251 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17157/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 26 January 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for domiciliary care allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 17 February 2011 advising of the decision to refuse the allowance.

Social Welfare Code

Derek Keating

Ceist:

252 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost per annum of one person without dependants who is in receipt of an invalidity pension including the cost of all entitlements and administration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17173/11]

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. The scheme is administered from the Department's Longford office.

The current weekly personal rate of invalidity pension for customers aged 65 and under is €193.50. This rate increases to €230.30 per week when a customer reaches 65. A person may also qualify for a living alone allowance which is paid at a weekly rate of €7.70. A weekly allowance of €12.70 is payable to recipients living on a specified island. These rates are in line with budget changes which came into effect from 06 January 2011. A recipient of invalidity pension is entitled to avail of the free travel scheme which is administered from the Department's Sligo office.

A person in receipt of an invalidity pension may be eligible for further income supports such as the free fuel allowance or the household benefits package if he/she satisfies the qualifying criteria. Invalidity pension in itself does not confer entitlement to these additional supports.

The Department's scheme expenditure on invalidity pension in 2010 was €640 million approx. The free travel scheme was provided at an annual cost of €74 million in 2010. 8,774 new invalidity pension claims were registered in 2010. At 31/12/2010 there were 50,766 invalidity pension recipients. The direct costs of administering the invalidity pension scheme in 2010 were € 2.06 million approx. This equates to a cost of € 40 per annum per client and represents a 0.3% of total scheme expenditure. All expenditure figures quoted are provisional and do not include the cost of shared services, central support services, agency services (e.g. An Post/Bank Charges) etc. which are not reported or analysed at scheme level at present.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

253 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a decision to deny jobseeker’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17186/11]

The Jobseeker's Benefit claim for the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment.

The person concerned appealed against this decision. He has not provided any evidence to warrant a change to the original decision and his appeal is currently being processed. A submission is being forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office for adjudication.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

254 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to withdraw illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if the social welfare appeals office will agree to hold an oral hearing into this case; and if she will ensure that this appeal is processed promptly. [17194/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 October 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 May 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

255 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork, who is in receipt of €188 per week in social welfare payments, is required to pay €50 per week in regard to mortgage supplement payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17200/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned applied for mortgage interest supplement in November 2010 and that this was refused because it considered it was not reasonable to award mortgage interest supplement having regard to any arrears on the loan. This decision was appealed to the HSE's designated Appeals Officer who decided to award a mortgage interest supplement of €70 per week as an exceptional measure on the basis that the person concerned would renegotiate the terms of his mortgage with his financial institution.

The Executive has further advised that it is currently awaiting confirmation that the terms of the mortgage have been renegotiated.

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

256 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding child dependent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17203/11]

The person concerned is in receipt of a child dependent allowance with effect from 2 March 2011.

Enquiries are continuing regarding the entitlement of the person concerned to an arrears payment in respect of this child. On completion of these enquiries a decision will be made on his entitlement and he will be advised of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

257 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for disability allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17211/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th June 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

258 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17212/11]

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford her an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. On receipt of her response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

259 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17223/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a carer's allowance appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 14 December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 30 March 2011 and the appeal has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

260 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on appeals for child benefit and disability benefit payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [17228/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

261 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of her private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to her and her Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17245/11]

The current applicable mileage rates, which were set by the Department of Finance, are as follows:

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine capacity 2001cc and over

0-4,000 miles

62.94cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles up to maximum limit of 60,000 miles

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

The current subsistence allowance rates were also set by the Department of Finance. The overnight subsistence allowance for domestic travel for Ministers is €72.66 plus the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge). The current day rates are €33.61 (for an absence on official duties of more than 10 hours) and €13.71 (for an absence on official duties of not less than 5 and not more than 10 hours).

Where a Minister travels abroad, s/he may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the Class A civil service conference rate for the destination in question increased by one third, with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it increased by a half.

There are no Ministers of State in my Department.

Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 230.

Social Welfare Code

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

263 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the implications for a person’s eligibility for a State pension under the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 (details supplied). [17301/11]

The effective date for standardisation of State pension age is 1 January 2014. Therefore, the person in the scenario outlined by the Deputy would not receive State pension (transition) as he or she would reach age of 65 on 3 February 2014. Should an individual not be able to remain in employment past the age of 65, he or she would be entitled to apply for another social welfare payment for the period between the cessation of employment and the State pension age of 66.

The background to the changes in State pension age is that the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. Life expectancy is increasing. The population share of those aged 65 and over is expected to more than double between now and 2050, from 11% to 26%. In contrast, the share of the working age population is projected to decline gradually from 68% to 58%. There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to less than two to one by mid-century. Spending on public pensions, that is, social welfare pensions and public service occupational pensions, is projected to increase from approximately 5 % of GDP in 2008, to almost 15% by 2050.

Therefore, as provided for in the National Pensions Framework, State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the standardisation of State pension age at 66. State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. It is worth noting that, until the early 1970s, the qualifying age for State pension (contributory) was 70 years of age. The legislative changes being included in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 also fulfil one of the commitments in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Ceist:

264 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend welfare payments to third level students during the summer holidays as a temporary measure in the context of high unemployment here. [17323/11]

A student undergoing a full-time course of study, instruction or training is disqualified from receiving jobseeker's allowance or benefit. This disqualification also extends to the holiday periods, including the summer holidays. The disqualification for receipt of jobseeker's benefit or allowance does not apply in the case of mature students during the period between two academic years. During this period a mature student can apply for jobseeker's benefit or allowance, subject to satisfying the standard qualifying conditions, including that of being available for full-time work. Any changes to these conditions would be for Government to consider in a budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

265 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding qualification for schemes in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17343/11]

One of the functions of my Department is to provide income support for the unemployed. This is provided through the payment of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance to those who have an entitlement. Jobseeker's benefit is payable to a person who has the necessary amount of paid eligible PRSI contributions for an entitlement to exist. Jobseeker's allowance is a means-tested payment and in assessing a person's means for the purposes of this allowance, account is taken of all income including a spouse's earnings.

As well as providing income maintenance my Department also has a role in supporting people from welfare to work. A range of employment support programmes is available to eligible people which assist unemployed people, particularly the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and sickness related welfare recipients to return to the active labour market through encouraging participation in education, taking up employment or becoming self-employed. Given the range of people supported the requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of employment support schemes and this is considered necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed at those most in need.

FÁS, as the National Training Authority, anticipates the needs of, and responds to, a constantly changing labour market. It strives to do this through the provision of tailored training programmes that suit everyone's needs and access to many training programmes is not determined by a person's welfare status. Through a regional network of 66 offices and 20 training centres, FÁS operates these training programmes including some in co-operation with community, voluntary and statutory organisations. Further information is available locally at these FÁS offices.

Social Welfare Appeals

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

266 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for long-term disability in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17350/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30 March 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 9 May 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing for a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17435/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of an oral hearing. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position or entitlement regarding job seeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17437/11]

The person concerned was disallowed Jobseeker's Allowance because his weekly means based on his partner's gross earnings exceeded the scheduled limit. The disallowance was upheld on appeal in January 2011.

He applied again for jobseeker's allowance from 24 January 2011. His means were assessed on the basis of new information provided and his claim was disallowed on 11 March 2011 as his means again exceeded the scheduled amount. He has not appealed against this decision.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Ceist:

269 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding jobseeker’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17449/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 March 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 24 March 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

270 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will seek a reconsideration of a decision in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [17455/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision was issued on 26 May 2011.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the recent submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

271 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17461/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 21st June 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

272 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 21 June 2011, the number of retained firefighters who have been refused social welfare payments in each of the past three years to date in 2011; the reasons for the refusals; the number waiting appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17462/11]

The figures requested by the deputy are not readily available.

Social Welfare Appeals

Tom Barry

Ceist:

273 Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a non contributory State pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17475/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6 April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 25 May 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 274 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Derek Keating

Ceist:

275 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons collecting social welfare payments from the post office in Lucan village and the post office in Dodsboro, County Dublin, who reside in the following estates (details supplied) and if she is satisfied that these post offices adequately service such a large number of persons, many of whom have to walk for up to two miles. [17509/11]

The Department currently issues approximately 3,350 payments each week for encashment at the Lucan and Dodsboro Post Offices. The Department also issues an additional 916 payments for encashment on a monthly basis at those two Post Offices. About 65% are paid at Lucan comprising 2,161 weekly payments and 599 monthly payments, while 35% are paid at Dodsboro, comprising 1,189 weekly payments and 317 monthly payments.

Precise information on the number of customers involved is not readily available as customers may be collecting more than one payment, for example Jobseeker's Allowance and Child Benefit. A breakdown of customers from the various estates listed by the Deputy is not available.

The Department is committed to providing a high quality service to our customers. We offer a range of payment options to customers including payment at the customers' designated local post office. Customers other than those in receipt of jobseekers payments can choose to be paid into either a bank or building society account or to certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators.

An Post is the principal agency through which payments are delivered to social welfare customers. They currently have a network of 1,160 Post Offices and a further 181 postal agencies through which services are delivered across the country.

An Post has been advised of the Deputy's concerns regarding the distances people in the Lucan area have to travel to receive payments. I understand from An Post that the company has no plans to expand their network of post offices in the Lucan area at present, but they have assured me that their service throughout their network is constantly under review. They have also indicated that if and when it is deemed that a post office is both warranted and sustainable in the Lucan area, plans will be put in place to advertise a contract for the provision of those services.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

276 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17511/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) advised that it has received a claim for rent supplement from the person concerned. A decision in relation to entitlement will be made when the supporting documentation requested has been received.

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

277 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial assistance available to the carer of a person with a mental disability who provides transport for that person on an ongoing basis; her views that the provision of private transport is essential for those suffering from a mental disability as public transport is not an option for various reasons such as safety and availability and that this provision by the carer adds a financial burden to them which is causing severe hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17520/11]

My Department provides the carer's allowance and carer's benefit schemes for people who are providing full time care and attention to a person in need of such care. These payments are an income support for the carers while they are engaged in caring duties. They are not intended to cover the cost of the individual care needs of the person being cared for. In the majority of cases this person will be in receipt of a social welfare payment in his/her own right (e.g. State pension or disability allowance) and the additional supports required are available from the Health Services Executive. This may include assistance with transport costs in certain circumstances.

The Revenue Commissioners' disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme provides a range of tax reliefs for the purchase and use of vehicles by disabled drivers and disabled passengers. A family member of the disabled person can qualify for relief if he or she is living with and responsible for the transport of the disabled person in question and has acquired a vehicle for that purpose.

My Department also provides free travel to people aged 66 years or over, carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. I have no plans to provide for transport costs outside of this scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the serious hardship caused by the cessation of one parent family allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if immediate steps can be taken in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17522/11]

The person concerned claimed one parent family allowance from 27 July 2006. Her entitlement was reviewed and her claim was disallowed by a deciding officer from 2 June 2011 on the grounds that she failed to submit documents requested by an inspector and that she is cohabiting with her partner.

She was informed of her right to appeal this decision but no appeal has been received to date. She was advised that the family may apply for family income supplement.

She was paid supplementary welfare allowance from 2 June 2011 to 8 June 2011 when payment was stopped as she was cohabiting with her partner.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17526/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Officer that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. Notification of the Appeals Officer's decision was issued on 25th November 2010.

It is noted that the assessment which the Deputy has submitted in respect of this case contains new and current information.

Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

280 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason mortgage relief and assistance has not been granted in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if the appeal now lodged will be expedited and approved in view of the hardship being experienced by the family. [17528/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the persons concerned were refused mortgage interest supplement as they have sufficient household income to meet their mortgage interest costs. The persons concerned lodged an appeal with the HSE Appeals Office where the decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement was upheld.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

281 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a decision. [17537/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but she/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

282 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for carer’s allowance will be approved without delay in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [17539/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 June 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

283 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will accommodate a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, relative to the payment of their rent allowance and arrears now overdue based on their written appeal to the local office; and if she will expedite a response. [17540/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the payment of rent supplement to the person concerned is currently suspended while his entitlement is being reviewed. The Executive will contact the person directly when the review is complete.

Question No. 284 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

James Bannon

Ceist:

285 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused a domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17544/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 3rd March 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for domiciliary care allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 19th April 2011 advising of the decision to refuse the allowance.

Community Employment Services

Paschal Donohoe

Ceist:

286 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review her decision not to grant funding for a security licence course following a FÁS course to enable a person (details supplied) to seek employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17575/11]

From 1st January 2011 policy and funding responsibility for FÁS functions in relation to employment and community employment services was transferred to the Department of Social Protection in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. Matters relating to training and skills development are proper to my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. As Minister for Social Protection I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases and FÁS remains responsible for the day to day operation of both employment and training initiatives.

Social Welfare Appeals

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

287 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for jobseeker’s allowance was disallowed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17659/11]

The person concerned was in receipt of jobseeker's allowance from 10 July 2009 to 10 May 2011.

This person's jobseeker's allowance claim was reviewed by the local office in February 2011. As part of this review, she was interviewed by a Social Welfare Inspector, and asked to produce relevant documentation. The person did not supply the documentation requested and, as a result, the claim was suspended on 10 May 2011. There is currently an appeal on this claim with the local office.

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

288 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if a date can be provided for an oral hearing on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person provided (details supplied) in County Kildare; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17661/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

289 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if a date can be provided for an oral hearing on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person provided (details supplied) in County Kildare; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Agencies

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

290 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per Government agency. [18180/11]

The Department has not placed any contracts for the outsourcing of IT services. However, the Department does hire in technical services to assist with IT issues such as infrastructure management and software development.

It will not be possible in the time available to furnish the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the Agencies under the Department's aegis as it is not held in the Department. However, the bodies concerned have been requested to furnish the information and as soon as it is received, it will be passed on to the Deputy.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

291 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18191/11]

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Special Areas of Conservation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

292 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he was monitoring bogs in designated areas, the reason the authorities were not alerted to the widespread mechanical extraction taking place on some of the 31 special areas of conservation closed to cutting by the Cabinet decision of May 2010. [17130/11]

After taking office in March of this year, the Government moved quickly to put in place the necessary measures to give effect to the decision of May 2010 that turf cutting on all raised bog Special Areas of Conservation should cease in 2011. In April, the Government established a compensation scheme for affected turf-cutters which would provide them with an annual financial payment for a period of fifteen years or with the opportunity to relocate to alternative non-designated bog, where feasible. 3,500 people with an interest in the 31 sites were written to and ads were published in local newspapers and on radio to remind people that further cutting on these sites was not lawful. In addition, the Peatlands Council was established to allow representative groups of those affected by the cessation, conservation interests and relevant State bodies to work through the measures necessary to meet Ireland's commitments in regard to these sites.

Officials from my Department have been engaged in regular monitoring of these sites which has been carried out with both ground patrols and aerial surveillance.

From this ongoing monitoring I was made aware that turf-cutting had taken place on a small number of these 31 sites and my officials responded by undertaking intensive enforcement action in those bogs, where people found engaged in turf-cutting or harvesting activity were spoken to and cautioned, where necessary. I brought this fact to the attention of my Government colleagues and on 24 May I issued a press statement that day reminding people of the legal situation regarding unlawful turf-extraction in these sites.

The following week, on 1 June, the Peatlands Council held a meeting where the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association and the Irish Farmers Association gave firm undertakings that their members would not undertake any further turf-cutting in these sites.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

293 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he proposes in the forthcoming revision of the habitats regulations to ensure that ex-situ impacts on protected areas will be assessed for their impact before being permitted to begin or to continue; the progress being made on the revision to the habitats regulations of the EIA regulations and the element of public consultation that will be incorporated in this legislative process. [17131/11]

The draft European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations, which will replace the existing European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997-2005, contain full provision for the screening of plans and projects that require the consent of a public authority to establish if they require appropriate assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. Separately, provision has been made in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to apply these requirements to plans and projects covered by the planning code. These provisions will apply equally to plans and projects within and outside European sites. The provision of the 1997-2005 Regulations that equates Environmental Impact Assessment and appropriate assessment will be replaced by provisions that make a clear distinction between these separate assessment processes.

In addition, the regulations will provide me, as Minister, with the power to regulate, inside and outside European sites, activities that I consider likely to harm European sites or to damage the wider habitats of flora and fauna, including birds.

In late 2010, the draft regulations were the subject of extensive public consultation, and the draft has been refined on foot of those consultations.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

294 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is monitoring the status and if his attention has been drawn to any commercial peat extraction on the 75 raised bog and 74 blanket bogs designated for protection 2003-2005; and if he has sufficient resources to ensure protection of these important nature conservation sites. [17132/11]

A total of 75 raised bog sites and 73 blanket bog sites have been designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife Acts. Commercial turf cutting is not permitted on these designated sites. These sites are subject to monitoring by my officials and enforcement action is undertaken where unlawful cutting is detected. Enforcement of the legal protection given to these and other designated sites is a high priority for my Department and available resources are allocated in accordance with that priority.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

295 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17048/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach announced the establishment of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in March 2011, and appointed Deputy Dinny McGinley as Minister of State to my Department with special responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Deputy may wish to note that a draft Order entitled Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 is currently being prepared by my Department and will be forwarded to Government for approval shortly.

Natural Heritage Areas

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

296 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Rath Lugh is a recognised national monument and protected structure; the progress being made in his commitment to ensure that the remaining natural heritage areas will be designated on a phased basis over the coming years and if this forms a part of his policy; the protection proposed NHAs have under current Irish law; and the measures he will take to ensure their monitoring and protection during this extended designation process. [17129/11]

The national monument at Rath Lugh, in the townland of Lismullin, County Meath, is protected by a Preservation Order made under the National Monuments Acts in March 2008. The effect of the preservation order is that it is unlawful for any person to demolish or remove wholly or in part or to disfigure, deface, alter or in any manner injure or interfere with the national monument without the consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It is also unlawful for any person to excavate, dig, plough or otherwise disturb the ground within, around or in proximity to the national monument without the Minister's consent.

In recent times my Department has been focusing on meeting obligations under the Habitats and Birds Directives by designating an appropriate number and type of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The State's progress in this area has been the subject of adverse findings by the European Court of Justice and my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service must address these designations as a first priority.

Following completion of the designations of SACs and SPAs, my Department will consider the designation of sites proposed as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). These proposed sites are relatively small in area and are spread throughout the country.

Many proposed NHAs have already been subsumed within the boundaries of SACs and SPAs and are afforded protection under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations. Most are also afforded some measure of protection through the planning system arising from their inclusion in Local Authority County Development Plans as Nature Conservation Sites.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

297 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course of their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17234/11]

Both the Minister of State in my Department, Deputy. Dinny McGinley, and I can claim a maximum mileage of 96,540 kms per annum broken down as follows:—

cc of car 1501 to 2000

Mileage

Kms

High Rate

Reduced Rate

First

6,437

€0.5907

Remainder

90,103

€0.2846

Maximum

96,540

We may also claim the difference between Class 1 and Class 11 car insurance and any other official expenses incurred during the trip, e.g., public transport, parking, tolls, etc.

The subsistence allowances available to all Government employees, including Ministers and Minister of State, are set by the Department of Finance. The current overnight subsistence allowance for domestic travel available to both myself and the Minister of State is €72.66 plus the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge.)

We may claim a day rate of €33.61 in respect of a 10 hour absence from the office and €13.71 in respect of a 5 hour absence from the office.

When travelling abroad (including Northern Ireland), both I and my Minister of State may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the applicable A civil service conference rate for the destination in question increased by one third (with the exception of the USA and Canada where it is increased by one half).

There are no other allowances currently payable by my Department in respect of Ministers and Ministers of State.

Deontais Ranna

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

298 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fáth ar cuireadh deontas ar ceal (sonraí tugtha) nuair a bhí míniú cuimsitheach tugtha faoin bhfáth nach raibh teastas dóiteáin curtha ar fáil go fóill; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17360/11]

Mar is eol don Teachta, ceadaíodh deontas arbh fhiú €18,474 ina iomlán (comhdhéanta de €15,395 faoin Scéim Fheabhsúcháin agus €3,079 faoin Scéim CLAR) ar 6 Meitheamh 2006 don togra atá luaite aige chun cabhrú le costais a bhain le hobair athchóirithe. Ceadaíodh an deontas ar an gcoinníoll, inter alia, go gcuirfí teastas dóiteáin ar fáil. I gcomhréir le gnáthchleachtas na Roinne, coinníodh suim arbh fhiú €6,474 siar go dtí go mbeadh an teastas úd curtha ar fáil. Cé go ndearna an Roinn teagmháil thar an tréimhse 5 bliana leis an iarratasóir faoin ábhar, ní bhfuarthas an teastas sin riamh. Gan aon dealramh a bheith ann go mbeadh an teastas curtha ar fail, níor cheap an Roinn go raibh leorchúis ann an cás seo a choinneáil beo agus cuireadh an fuílleach thuasluaite ar ceal ar 7 Meitheamh 2011.

Tionscal na hIascaireachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

299 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil i gceist aige a chur in iúl d’Údarás na Gaeltachta nach bhfuil cosc orthu deontais a cheadú d’fheirmeacha bradán i bhfianaise na bhfreagraí a cuireadh ar cheisteanna parlaiminte chuig an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia agus an Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha á léiriú nach bhfuil cosc ar a leithéid; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17372/11]

Níl aon fheidhm a reachtáil ag mo Roinnse i ndáil leis an gClár Náisiúnta um Bia Mara.

Dírím aird an Teachta, áfach, ar an bhfreagra a tugadh ar Cheist Dála Uimhir 277 de 31 Bealtaine 2011 a shoiléiríonn gurb é an tAire Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia, i gcomhar leis an Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, a thóg an cinneadh nach dtabharfaí aon chúnamh airgeadais le linn an Chláir Náisiúnta sin do shealbhóirí na gceadúnas dobharshaothraithe bradán mara go dtí go réiteofaí go sásúil an cheist maidir leis an tionchar diúltach a bheadh ag míolta mara a thagann ó fheirmeacha bradán ar shalmainidí fiáine imirceacha.

Is léir freisin ó fhreagra na Ceiste Dála sin gur mian le hIascaigh Intíre na hÉireann agus an Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha tuilleadh dul chun cinn a fheiceáil ó thaobh míolta mara a chur faoi smacht sula féidir an imní atá orthu faoi shalmainidí fiáine imirceacha a mhaolú.

Tionscnamh Post

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

300 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ar lorg sé airgead d’Údarás na Gaeltachta ón Rionn Airgeadais as an Tionscnamh Post a fógraíodh le gairid, ag cur san áireamh go háirithe ráitis an Aire Stáit nach bhfuil dóthain soláthair ann i mbliana don Údarás, má d’iarr cén toradh a bhí ar an iarratas agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17584/11]

Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Tionscnamh Post, a fógraíodh i mí na Bealtaine 2011, fostaíocht a spreagadh chun borradh a chur faoi chúrsaí eacnamaíochta an stáit. Mar bhall den Rialtas, bhí ionchur ag an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta sna comhráite Rialtais maidir le bunú an Tionscnaimh agus na himpleachtaí a d'eascródh as dá Roinn.

Tá roinnt mhaith gnéithe den Tionscnamh seo a mbeidh tionchar nach beag acu ar ghníomhaíochtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta chun eacnamaíocht na Gaeltachta a fhorbairt. San áireamh anseo tá:

an laghdú ar an ráta CBL (VAT) i leith seirbhísí san earnáil turasóireachta;

an laghdú ar an ráta ÁSPC (PRSI) d'fhostóirí i leith post a íocann suas go €356 in aghaidh na seachtaine;

an tionscnamh chun soláthar creidmheasa don earnáil fhiontraíochta a éascú; agus

rochtain níos fearr ar dheiseanna soláthair a fhorbairt chun tacú le comhlachtaí.

Is léir mar sin, go mbeidh tionchar dearfach ag an Tionscnamh Post ar an obair leanúnach atá ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun deiseanna fostaíochta a chaomhnú agus a chruthú do phobal na Gaeltachta.

Arts Funding

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

301 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any funding application has been made by an organisation (details supplied); if an application has been made, if he will provide a progress report and if there is no application if he will advise if any funding is available to help defray costs of recent refurbishment of the local theatre. [17664/11]

No application for capital funding has been received from this group. Funding for major capital cultural projects in my Department is primarily from the Cultural Development subhead that has an allocation of €7.8 million in 2011, which is a reduction by over 50% from the €16 million allocated in 2010. This funding is fully committed and there is no scope for any funding being provided to defray the costs of any new projects.

The Deputy will appreciate that, given the current economic situation, it is unlikely that a new capital infrastructure scheme will be announced in the near future.

Departmental Agencies

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

302 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18170/11]

Whilst my Department provides funding to the agencies within its remit, the Board of each agency is responsible for all operational matters relating to the agency, including IT services, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such day-to-day operational matters.

With regard to my Department itself, there are no contracts issued at present for the outsourcing of IT services. However, in 2010, as part of the periodic procurement of external IT support, my Department assessed the suitability of a fully outsourced IT service approach. At the time, it was decided that, primarily due to operational requirements, such an approach was not the most appropriate or cost-effective.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

303 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18184/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that the extensive amount of information sought by her in regard to a wide range of bodies would require a significant amount of work on the part of Departmental officials and would be difficult to justify, particularly given the amount of information that is already provided in the Annual Reports of the relevant bodies, which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

If, however, the Deputy has a particular query in relation to a specific body coming within the ambit of my Department, I will, of course, be happy to arrange for the information in question to be provided to the Deputy.

EU Funding

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

304 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of any possible sources of loan finance from European sources including the European Investment Bank in respect of small and medium enterprises here wishing to undertake business expansion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18201/11]

I am advised that no loan finance is provided to small and medium enterprises from European sources through my Department or through agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

Energy Conservation

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

305 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when an application under the warmer homes scheme was received in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the timeframe in which the work can be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17113/11]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

306 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when an application under the winter warmer scheme will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17199/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), now an integral element of the Better Energy Programme, is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty. Over 20,000 low-income homes are to benefit from energy efficiency retrofit measures in 2011.

The success of the scheme in 2010 has led to increased awareness and demand. It is the case therefore that there has been an increase in waiting times. This has resulted in SEAI having to prioritise certain lower cost measures in homes in order to secure and address the maximum number of vulnerable homes this year. SEAI is currently working with community based organisations (CBOs) and private contractors to prioritise delivery in the coming months to those homes which have been waiting for the longest period.

A dedicated hot line for the WHS is managed by the SEAI (WHS hot line — 1800 250 204), and it is SEAI's objective to ensure that eligibility on available measures are dealt with immediately.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

307 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17050/11]

The Minister of State in my Department, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, has special responsibility for the NewEra programme.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a New Economic and Recovery Authority, (NewERA.), intensive work is underway across Departments, overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Infrastructure, to finalise the structure and remit of the new Authority.

Fisheries Protection

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

308 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the increasingly systematic poaching of fish from our rivers, canals and lakes, for illegal commercial sale, particularly in the Cavan/Monaghan area; and his plans to bring in additional measures to combat same. [17091/11]

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of our inland fisheries resource and the observance of the Fisheries Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders. They have indicated an increase in illegal fishing activity nationwide in recent years.

Conservation and protection measures are constantly under review by IFI and my Department. In view of their staffing resource constraints, IFI are employing new technologies and utilising the public's cooperation through the new poaching hotline (1890 347424) to assist in the detection of illegal activities. This is complemented by ensuring the maximum visible presence in waters where the threat of illegal activity is greatest, timely prosecution of offenders and confiscation of illegal nets etc. There has been an increase of nearly 40% in the number of prosecutions initiated since 2007. I would encourage anyone with information on illegal fishing to report such activities or any other breaches to the provisions of the Inland Fisheries Acts to the hotline, the relevant IFI office or to An Garda Síochána.

Energy Resources

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

309 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the Commission for Energy Regulation, the specific areas that are key priorities for 2011-12; the specific energy projects that have been earmarked as priorities; and if the emphasis is on wind, water, ESB grid or elsewhere. [17148/11]

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is the independent statutory body responsible for energy regulation in Ireland.

CER's key priorities for 2011-2012 are publically available on the CER website. www.cer.ie The Deputy has previously received a copy of the CER Work Plans and Priorities 2011 from my Department.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

310 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/11]

The motor travel and subsistence rates paid to me and the Minister of State in my Department are in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines.

The rates per kilometre are set out in the table beneath:

Official motor travel in a calendar year

Engine capacity up to 1200cc

Engine capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6,437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6,438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

The mileage in respect of which the above allowances may be paid is limited to 96,540 kilometres per year.

The relevant domestic subsistence rate is €72.66 and a 10 hour or 5 hour day rate of €33.61 and €13.71 respectively is also payable. Ministers and Ministers of State may also claim the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge).

When travelling abroad, Ministers may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the class A civil service conference rate (which varies from country to country) increased by a third, with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half.

As the Deputy will be aware, a single parliamentary standard allowance is also payable to Deputies, Senators and Officeholders.

Wild Salmon Conservation

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

311 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is will allow island based salmon fishermen who did not participate in the salmon hardship scheme to re-fish wild salmon as part of a pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

312 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of island based salmon fishermen who did not avail of the salmon hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17347/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

313 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will carry out a study into the impacts of allowing island based salmon fishermen who did not participate in the salmon hardship scheme to re-fish wild salmon and its impact on Ireland fulfilling its obligations under the habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 to 313, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, the primary motivation in aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice to cease mixed stock fishing at sea, is the conservation of the wild salmon stocks. It is vital to afford every protection to the at-risk salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. Ireland must fulfil its obligations under the Habitats Directive, namely to maintain or restore fish stocks, protected by the Directive, to favourable conservation status.

I am advised that there can be no question of relaxing the conservation measures other than in rivers where stocks are meeting conservation limits and where it is established that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It is not envisaged, for these reasons due to the constraints of the Habitats Directive that drift netting in the open seas will be licensed in the future.

I am conscious of the impact of the cessation of the seasonal wild salmon fishery on island communities. This was addressed, I understand, in the allocation of €5 million which was provided for a Community Support Scheme, the focus of which was primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing was a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacted on the economic and social fabric of the area.

My Department does not hold any details in relation to the number of island-based fishermen who did not avail of the salmon hardship scheme.

Telecommunications Services

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

314 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a metropolitan area network in County Donegal (details supplied); the timescale for connecting the backhaul; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17502/11]

All the metropolitan area networks (MANs) including the MAN in Carndonagh are managed and operated by e|net who were appointed following a procurement process and who make the networks available to the telecommunications sector.

All connections to the MANs are wholesale connections which may be used by the relevant service provider to provide services to multiple end users. This means that any service provider can use the network without having to privately invest and replicate network footprints throughout the country.

It should be noted that before a backhaul solution is put in place in any MAN town, there needs to be demand for MAN based services. This would typically be a business which incurs telecoms charges in excess of €1,000.

In the case of the Carndonagh MAN, e|net has been exploring various backhaul options with operators in the area. In the event that business premises in Carndonagh require broadband services delivered over a fibre connection, e|net would set out the possible options and costs. However, there has been insufficient market demand for fibre connections in Carndonagh to date. e|net remains available at all times to discuss the options for connection to the MAN in Carndonagh with interested parties.

Public Service Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

315 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18171/11]

The following table sets out the number of contracts issued outsourcing some of the IT services of my Department. These contracts cover the provision of IT Helpdesk Services and the hosting of the Department's websites in the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB). The only sub-contract was to ensure services were provided to my Department's office in Cavan.

IT contracts for Agencies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for each Agency and I have no function in that regard.

Company

IT Service

Year

Annual Cost ex Vat

Sub-Contract

Sub-sub-contract

IT Force

Helpdesk Services

2010

€257,565

Value PC Ltd

None

Helpdesk Services

2011*

€257,565

Value PC Ltd

None

LGCSB

Hosting of the Department’s Websites

2010

€69,089

None

None

Hosting of the Department’s Websites

2011*

€69,089

None

None

* Estimates

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

316 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18185/11]

In the case of each of the non-commercial State agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have set out the total number of staff; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; and the total amount of central funding provided to each agency in the tables.

Information related to the job titles of staff and the annual wage bill for each agency is a day to day matter for each agency. I have requested the State Agencies to provide this material directly to the Deputy.

Total Number of Staff

AGENCY

END QTR 1 2011

Digital Hub Development Authority

15

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

66

Inland Fisheries Ireland

350

Loughs Agency

56

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

32

Commission of Energy Regulation

65

Commission for Communications Regulation

124

National Oil Reserve Agency

5

Ordnance Survey Ireland

285

Total

998

Total Number of Staff

AGENCY

Central Funding 2011 €000s

Digital Hub Development Authority

3,495

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

8,968

Inland Fisheries Ireland

25,798

Loughs Agency

2,819

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

0

Commission of Energy Regulation

0

Commission for Communications Regulation

0

National Oil Reserve Agency

0

Ordnance Survey Ireland

7,451

Total

48,531

Total Number of Board Members and their Respective Remuneration Packages

Body

Positions on Board

Current Members

Board Fee Category

Rates of fees

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

9

9

Category 4

Chair: €8,978Director: €5,985

Raidió Teilifís Éireann

12

12

Category 1

Chair: €31,500Director: €15,750

Teilifís na Gaeilge

12

12

Category 2

Chair: €21,600Director: €12,600

An Post

15

13

Category 1

Chair: €31,500Director: €15,750

Digital Hub Development Agency

14

6

Category 3

Chair: €11,970Director: €7,695

Bord Gáis Éireann

9

9

Category 1

Chair: €31,500Director: €15,750

Bord na Móna

12

11

Category 2

Chair: €21,600Director: €12,600

EirGrid

10

10

Category 2

Chair: €21,600Director: €12,600

Electricity Supply Board

12

11

Category 1

Chair: €31,500Director: €15,750

Irish National Petroleum Corporation

5

4

Category 2

Chair: €21,600Director: €12,600

National Oil Reserves Agency

6

6

Category 4

Chair: €8,978Director: €5,985

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

12

8

Category 3

Chair: €11,970Director: €7,695

Inland Fisheries Ireland

9

9

Category 3

Chair: €11,970Director: €7,695

Ordnance Survey Ireland

10

7

Category 3

Chair: €11,970Director: €7,695

The Mining Board

3

3

Fees per day for public and private sittingFee per full day for any necessary attendance in discharge of the Board’s business

€582.97€200.93

Community Development

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

317 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he removed the funding under the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector to the Community Workers Co-operative. [17013/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

345 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Community Workers Co-operative and in particular the supporting role it plays for community based organisations and workers across the country who are working to tackle disadvantage and in recognition of this if he will immediately reverse the decision to cut CWC’s funding and restore it at a level that allows CWC to remain viable and continue its vital work. [17454/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 345 together.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs entered into a contract to fund the Community Workers Co-operative (CWC) for three years from 2008-2010 under the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. This funding contract was fully honoured by Government, and extended until the end of June 2011. Organisations participating in the scheme were aware that funding beyond the contractually agreed timeframe could not be guaranteed and that the scheme was subject to review.

A comprehensive review of the scheme was carried out in 2010 and a new scheme, with amended criteria, was advertised in December 2010. 149 applications were received and 63 organisations were approved for funding, of which 46 had been funded under the previous 2008-2010 scheme.

Funding under the new 2011-2013 scheme has been allocated following an objective and merit-based competitive process. The application from the CWC did not meet the qualifying mark for funding on this occasion. The CWC has appealed the funding decision and the appeals process is ongoing.

Local Authority Savings

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

318 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide each and every non pay saving reported by local authorities as referred to at page 11 of the First Progress Report of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/11]

The information sought is provided in the table. Each local authority provided details of the savings made, in terms of pay and non-pay, and costs avoided under the main headings contained in the local government action plan. The non-pay savings reported are in respect of the specific period, the year ending March 2011, covered by the First Report on Progress under the Public Service Agreement.

Local Authority

Non-pay savings

Cork City

€1,677,590

Dublin City

€31,308,256

Galway City

€1,167,498

Limerick City

€286,975

Waterford City

€785,213

Carlow

€634,094

Cavan

€179,380

Clare

€0

Cork

€3,803,385

Donegal

€862,887

Dun Laoghaire

€0

Fingal

€10,620,000

Galway

€597,200

Kerry

€947,890

Kildare

€1,708,780

Kilkenny

€1,287,500

Laois

€979,269

Leitrim

€67,548

Limerick

€0

Longford

€535,670

Louth

€1,679,205

Mayo

€995,854

Meath

€1,235,503

Monaghan

€365,751

Offaly

€606,009

Roscommon

€989,566

Sligo

€0

South Dublin

€13,528,500

Tipperary North

€283,319

Tipperary South

€645,600

Waterford

€592,028

Westmeath

€533,800

Wexford

€497,929

Wicklow

€1,686,788

Total

€81,088,987

Local Authority Funding

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

319 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reimburse Kerry County Council for costal protection works at Inch, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16989/11]

In 2008 a commitment to support emergency coastal protection works at Inch was entered into as part of the CLÁR Programme's Coastal Development Scheme, under the former Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. My Department now has responsibility for the CLÁR Programme.

The funding committed to this project at the time was on the basis of 12.5% from the CLÁR Programme, 75% from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food and 12.5% from Kerry County Council. I understand that the amount due through CLÁR, €150,000 was fully drawn down by the County Council in 2008, and it was based on the overall project cost of €1.2 million notified at the time. Accordingly, there is no further commitment due in respect of this project. No funding applications have been accepted since August 2008 under the main CLÁR Programme measures.

Planning Issues

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

320 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the process by which local authorities can obtain compulsory purchase orders for lands adjoining regional and local roads in order to provide greater power to local authorities to remedy dangerous locations in a timely and cost effective manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16991/11]

Section 213 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 provides for the acquisition of land by local authorities. Further enhancements to the compulsory purchase process were introduced by way of the Compulsory Purchase Orders (Extension of Time Limits) Act 2010. This improved the process whereby local authorities can obtain compulsory purchase orders, by providing that the statutory time limit for serving Notices to Treat on landowners relating to confirmed Compulsory Purchase Orders can be extended where legal proceedings are underway.

The Act introduced efficiencies and ensures that the cost to local authorities of repeating the CPO process is avoided in the event that the outcome of the legal proceedings allows the project to proceed.

I am satisfied that local authorities have sufficient compulsory purchase powers under the Planning Acts and I have no plans to amend the legislation at this time.

Local Authority Funding

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

321 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to Donegal County Council for the provision of social housing, SI cottages and in meeting contractual commitments entered into by the council. [17018/11]

Funding of €6.115 million, of which €4.4 million relates to the provision of new social housing stock, was allocated to Donegal County Council under my Department's Social Housing Investment Programme for 2011. To date, some €3 million of the overall allocation has been drawn down by the Council.

All of the available capital funding for new local authority social housing projects has been committed at this stage. Requests for additional capital funding, including from Donegal County Council, will be considered in the context of any savings arising elsewhere in the programme.

Fire Services

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

322 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allow firemen who are physically fit for duty to remain on in their role to 60 years of age, pending the outcome of the Labour Relations Commission Review on Age of Retirement. [17019/11]

There is no Labour Relations Commission (LRC) Review in progress regarding the retirement age of firefighters. A case was brought to the LRC and was referred on to the Labour Court regarding the retirement age of retained firefighters. That case is currently adjourned. A review of the retirement age for retained firefighters was carried out in 2003. The normal retirement age for retained firefighters is 55 years of age. However, there is an option to continue working up to age 58, provided the firefighter passes an annual occupational health test.

There are no proposals with my Department at present to amend these arrangements.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

323 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17053/11]

Mr. Willie Penrose, TD, Minister of State at my Department, has comprehensive responsibility for the housing and physical planning functions of my Department. In summary, Minister of State Penrose is responsible for the implementation of the Government's Housing Policy Framework and a range of associated housing and planning functions. These include, in the housing area, social housing investment and procurement programmes, including the work of the Housing Finance Agency; quality of social housing through housing renewal and regeneration, including the work of the Limerick and Ballymun Regeneration Agencies; support/overview of the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency; the private rented sector, including implementation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and support/overview of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, Rent Tribunal and private rented sector accommodation standards. Minister of State Penrose has also been delegated Ministerial powers and functions under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, other than the powers to prosecute an offence and make appointments to An Bord Pleanála. The powers and functions under the Planning Acts include the finalisation of implementation arrangements for the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 and implementation of key elements of the Government's National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020.

Mr. Fergus O'Dowd, TD, Minister for State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and at my own Department, has responsibility for the NewERA Plan. Minister of State O'Dowd's responsibilities include development of the organisational structure for the company, Irish Water, following the completion of the independent assessment on the establishment of the company; progression and implementation of the legislation required for the establishment of Irish Water; and implementation of the Government's policy on water metering and water pricing and charging.

Local Authority Funding

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

324 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to Kerry County Council to replace water mains in the County. [17070/11]

Kerry County Council has completed its countywide watermains rehabilitation strategy required as part of its water conservation programme. This strategy identifies specific defective water supply networks requiring rehabilitation and/or replacement. The Council is also identifying the works to be included in the Countywide Watermains Rehabilitation Project Phase 1 contract to be progressed and funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012.

My Department is currently awaiting the submission of additional information requested from Kerry County Council in relation to two advance works proposals for watermains replacement which the Council have submitted. On receipt of the information, my Department will complete its consideration of the proposals and a decision will conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.

Local Authority Staff

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

325 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy in relation to, or directives issued to, local authorities regarding to overtime for their workers up to grade 6 level; if it involves workers having to work hours free prior to being paid time and a quarter, time and a half or double time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17089/11]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Accordingly, it is a matter for each local authority to make appropriate arrangements, in terms of overtime, in accordance with national agreements dealing with remuneration and legislation dealing with working hours.

Local Authority Charges

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

326 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason landlords on the rental accommodation scheme are exempt from the second home tax but those providing accommodation under the rent allowance scheme are liable for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17098/11]

The charge on all non-principal private residences, designed to broaden the revenue base of local authorities, is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and other non-principal private residences.

Landlords of property rented under the Rental Accommodation Scheme are paid directly by the local authority, for the provision of accommodation to those in need of long term accommodation and are exempt from the charge under section (2)(i)(f) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009. This provision was included in order to encourage take-up on the scheme.

Other specific exemptions are contained in the Act for the provision of long term accommodation by the State, Local Authority and Voluntary and Co-operative providers. These exemptions do not include landlords who provide rental accommodation to tenants who may be in receipt of rent allowance.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

327 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is the practice to issue notification of non principal private residence demands annually to property owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17116/11]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue invoices or demands.

I understand, however, that e-mail and postal reminder notifications have been issued to those who paid the charge last year in respect of their possible liability for 2011.

Environmental Legislation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

328 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update of the table giving the status of European environmental infringement proceedings against Ireland as provided by his predecessor on 22 April 2010; the actions that he will take to have outstanding environmental cases against Ireland resolved; and the resources he is dedicating to this work. [17133/11]

In areas for which my Department has responsibility, the European Commission is currently in formal correspondence in respect of 14 cases relating to transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation. The following Table, which provides details of these cases, excludes 4 cases responsibility for which has recently transferred to my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The Government is giving the highest priority to the transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation. Efforts are being intensified to bring Ireland into full compliance with EU legislation and to resolving outstanding ECJ infringement cases as quickly as possible. Since my coming into office, my Department has already secured the closure of 4 cases and we will be continuing to put in place the necessary measures to close outstanding cases, some of which are complex in nature and will involve a variety of initiatives, including, for example, the proposed licensing of septic tanks.

I have met the EU Environment Commissioner, Janez Potocnik, on a number of occasions, most recently at the Environment Council on 21 June to reassure him that every effort is being made to address the Commission's concerns on outstanding cases.

This will continue to be a key priority for my Department in the lead up to the Irish Presidency in 2013.

Article 258 Letter of Formal Notice

Article 258 Reasoned Opinion

Being Referred to the European Court of Justice

Before the European Court of Justice for a hearing or awaiting judgement

European Court of Justice Decision to be Implemented

Article 260 Letter of Formal Notice

Article 260 Second Letter of Formal Notice

ECJ request for fines

75/442/EEC the waste directive

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

2

80/68/EEC on groundwater

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

3

91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

2000/60 Water Framework Directive

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2008/56/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2009/30/EC Fuel Quality

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2010/26/EC Emissions from non road mobile machinery

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

TOTAL NUMBER AT EACH STAGE

3

3

1

0

2

1

2

2

14

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

329 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Waterville sewerage scheme in County Kerry; the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17134/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 267 of 10 May 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.

Household Charges

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

330 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if water charges are implemented in the future, his plans to give credit to households who have already paid their contribution to their group water schemes that have now been taken over by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17136/11]

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The objective is to install water meters in households and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals. Further details will be announced following the Government's consideration of the proposals.

Fire Services

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

331 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the findings of the review of the fire service will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/11]

The provision of a fire service, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable is a statutory function of fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003.

My Department has not undertaken a recent review of the fire services per se, but my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has set out a national blueprint and programme for developing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Fire Services. This is contained in the recently agreed Irish Fire Services National Development Framework 2010-2015 , which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The Framework sets out policies and key actions in the areas of Fire Services Role in Society; National Processes and Standards; Staff Learning and Development; Quality Assurance Systems and Reporting Performance; and Service Infrastructure and Legislative Support.

In addition, in common with other capital programmes, my Department has reviewed its fire services capital programme in order to prioritise projects seeking capital investment. I have recently approved a new programme of joint procurement of fire appliances and expect this collaborative approach will deliver budgetary and administrative savings. Value for money is a key theme in the current climate and future developments will have to be brought to fruition within tighter resource constraints.

Simon Harris

Ceist:

332 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give urgent consideration to the establishment of a National Fire Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17208/11]

Fire services are provided by the 37 statutorily designated fire authorities, and are accordingly structured around the principal local authorities. The 2002 Farrell Grant Sparks review of fire services in Ireland concluded unambiguously that this is an appropriate approach which should be strengthened.

The review's recommendations in relation to national oversight, co-ordination and leadership were dealt with conclusively through the establishment of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management within my Department in 2009. The Directorate has taken over the functions of the Fire Services Council and is an approach in keeping with the drive to reduce new agencies while providing appropriate political accountability. The Directorate is not a national fire service, and fire authorities continue to deliver this service under the aegis of the local government system.

Given that the Directorate is working well and meeting its mandate, I have no plans to establish a National Fire Authority or conduct a new study of fire services in Ireland.

Simon Harris

Ceist:

333 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on fire services operating call vetting system, a procedure undertaken after a call is made to the fire service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17209/11]

Under section 10 of the Fire Services Act, 1981 a fire authority is required to make provision for the delivery of fire services in its functional area, including in particular, responsibility to make adequate provision for the reception of and response to calls for the assistance of the fire brigade.

Fire authorities have successfully worked together with my Department on a shared services initiative to develop a computer- based system to handle emergency calls for the fire service. Under the system known as CAMP (Computer Aided Mobilisation Project), all emergency calls for the fire service are channelled to one of three control centres at Dublin, Castlebar and Limerick and the appropriate fire brigade response is activated from the relevant centre. In addition to dispatching fire service resources, where appropriate, the CAMP control centre will also notify other emergency services e.g. An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive or the Irish Coast Guard. Similarly, other emergency services control centres may direct 999/112 calls to the CAMP system.

The response to emergency calls is based on an initial pre determined attendance (PDA) for the particular incident type at the address given. The PDA is the initial automatic turnout, but can be varied by the officer in charge. The PDAs are set down by the chief fire officer for each fire authority. As part of the CAMP project, PDAs were agreed on a regional basis for the generic incident types by the technical groups and approved by the Regional Management Groups.

The three regional control centres operate to the highest international quality standards. The CAMP project was an early example of the shared services agenda delivering quality public services in a co-ordinated manner.

Local Authority Charges

John Lyons

Ceist:

334 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to allow for the payment of the planned household charge in quarterly instalments or through some other easy pay methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17221/11]

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland under its fiscal consolidation measures commits to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services. In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the revenue measure in the EU/IMF Programme, I have already indicated my intention to introduce a household charge in 2012.

I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on the legislative and administrative requirements necessary to implement the household charge, including consideration of payment methods.

Local Authority Funding

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

335 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding applications in respect of an association (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17225/11]

This application is currently being considered by my Department in the context of the available resources and the competing demands for communal facility grants across a number of local authorities. The relevant local authorities were recently requested to provide details of the current status of proposals and following receipt of this information decisions will be made on the additional projects to be funded in 2011.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

336 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17239/11]

Minister of State Penrose and myself are entitled to claim the following allowances from my Department. In relation to the use of our own cars on official business, we may claim for official mileage up to a maximum of 96,540 kilometres per annum. I can claim 59.07 cent per kilometre for the first 6,437 kilometres in respect of a car with an engine capacity between 1,501 and 2,000cc, and 28.46 cent per kilometre for 6,438 to 96,540 kilometres in any one year. In the case of Minister of State Penrose, he is entitled to claim 70.89 cent and 34.15 cent respectively in respect of a car with an engine capacity of 2,001cc and over.

In relation to subsistence, on official overnight business away from home or the Department's HQ, both Minister of State Penrose and myself are entitled to claim the vouched cost of a hotel room, including tax and up to 15% service charge. We are also entitled to claim an overnight subsistence allowance of €72.66, i.e. half the civil service Class A overnight rate of €108.99 prescribed by the Department of Finance, increased by one-third.

Where appropriate, we may also claim for 5 or 10 hours absences from home or headquarters as part of the foregoing subsistence arrangements, at the civil service Class A rates of €13.71 and €33.61 respectively. When travelling abroad, including Northern Ireland, we may claim for the vouched cost of a hotel room as set out above, plus the civil service Class A conference rate for the location increased by one third, with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half.

Minister of State O'Dowd does not claim travel and subsistence expenses from my Department.

Rural Development Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

337 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount allocated to Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta under each measure under the rural development programme; the amount approved under each measure to date; the amount spent to date under each measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17361/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

338 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount allocated to Galway Rural Development under each measure under the rural development programme; the amount approved under each measure to date; the amount spent to date under each measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17362/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

339 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount allocated to Forum Connemara Ltd under each measure under the rural development programme; the amount approved under each measure to date; the amount spent to date under each measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17363/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

340 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount allocated to Comhar na nOileán Teo under each measure under the rural development programme; the amount approved under each measure to date; the amount spent to date under each measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17364/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 to 340, inclusive, together.

The information sought is provided in the tables below. I am pleased with the progress to date under the Programme in the Galway area. Notwithstanding the difficulties presented in the current economic climate the programme continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities. This has resulted in the proliferation of innovative and sustainable development projects all over the country, which are providing invaluable support to rural communities in these difficult times. My Department continues to work with all Local Action Groups to ensure the delivery of the Rural Development Programme in an efficient and effective way.

Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG)RDP Spend to date June 2011

Measure

Programme Allocation

Amount Approved to date

Total Spend to Date

311: Diversification

€560,000.00

€54,351.34

€1,668.75

312: Business Creation

€1,680,000.00

€401,109.16

€239,977.74

313: Tourism

€1,700,000.00

€612,388.39

€422,620.43

321: Basic Services

€2,175,000.00

€1,214,689.66

€679,968.90

322: Village Renewal

€2,451,000.00

€104,049.75

€73,264.18

323: Conservation

€2,270,000.00

€147,397.11

€79,879.11

331: Training

€1,160,000.00

€276,061.40

€149,776.83

341: Animation

€1,387,048.00

€0.00

€0.00

421: Cooperation

€440,000.00

€65,868.49

€36,428.64

Project Total

€13,823,048.00

€2,875,915.30

€1,683,584.58

431: Running the LAG

€3,455,761.00

N/A

€1,259,884.47

Total

€17,278,809.00

€2,875,915.30

€2,943,469.05

Galway Rural Development (GRD)RDP Spend to date June 2011

Measure

Programme Allocation

Amount Approved to date

Total Spend to Date

311: Diversification

€585,000.00

€52,920.72

€22,920.72

312: Business Creation

€1,165,000.00

€523,574.42

€187,715.09

313: Tourism

€1,470,000.00

€244,280.61

€83,705.64

321: Basic Services

€1,753,000.00

€1,658,575.99

€878,545.53

322: Village Renewal

€2,163,000.00

€460,239.06

€239,466.75

323: Conservation

€2,325,000.00

€122,256.26

€44,053.40

331: Training

€1,150,000.00

€203,703.20

€99,029.40

341: Animation

€1,225,388.00

€0.00

€0.00

421: Cooperation

€370,000.00

€10,796.68

€0.00

Project Total

€12,206,388.00

€3,276,346.94

€1,555,436.53

431: Running the LAG

€3,051,597.00

N/A

€889,402.95

Total

€15,257,985.00

€3,276,346.94

€2,444,839.48

FORUM ConnemaraRDP Spend to date June 2011

Measure

Programme Allocation

Amount Approved to date

Total Spend to Date

311: Diversification

€240,000.00

€19,950.00

€19,950.00

312: Business Creation

€1,250,000.00

€184,919.94

€162,761.03

313: Tourism

€1,515,000.00

€288,607.00

€206,119.79

321: Basic Services

€830,000.00

€78,567.16

€13,259.73

322: Village Renewal

€939,000.00

€136,320.64

€119,121.96

323: Conservation

€1,065,000.00

€77,214.04

€14,150.49

331: Training

€880,000.00

€133,286.99

€61,728.85

341: Animation

€776,172.00

€7,750.00

€7,750.00

421: Cooperation

€240,000.00

€2,500.00

€2,500.00

Project Total

€7,735,172.00

€929,115.77

€607,341.85

431: Running the LAG

€1,933,793.00

N/A

€546,833.52

Total

€9,668,965.00

€929,115.77

€1,154,175.37

Comhar na nOileáinRDP Spend to date June 2011

Measure

Programme Allocation

Amount Approved to date

Total Spend to Date

311: Diversification

€320,000.00

€67,467.47

€0.00

312: Business Creation

€262,000.00

€142,514.91

€106,065.00

313: Tourism

€790,000.00

€100,704.26

€31,384.99

321: Basic Services

€390,000.00

€118,004.92

€84,546.54

322: Village Renewal

€532,000.00

€331,720.36

€181,704.00

323: Conservation

€558,000.00

€213,394.43

€40,262.85

331: Training

€300,000.00

€142,513.59

€115,119.37

341: Animation

€381,932.00

€0.00

€0.00

421: Cooperation

€180,000.00

€81,452.74

€0.00

Project Total

€3,713,932.00

€1,197,772.68

€559,082.75

431: Running the LAG

€928,483.00

N/A

€454,008.35

Total

€4,642,415.00

€1,197,772.68

€1,013,091.10

Local Authority Services

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

341 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of jobs that will be created within the planned new National Water Authority including meter-readers, engineers and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17367/11]

The Programme for Government proposes the establishment of a new State-owned national water authority to take over responsibility for managing and supervising investment in water services infrastructure and to manage the domestic water metering programme. The Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the EU/IMF commits Ireland to undertaking an independent assessment of the establishment of such an authority. Work on the independent assessment has commenced and the assessment is due for completion by the end of October 2011. The Government will then consider proposals for the establishment of Irish Water.

The independent assessment will examine the proposed role and functions of Irish Water, the approach to assigning these functions to the authority from the 34 local authorities, and the optimal organisational structure for the company including the indicative staffing complement.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

342 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will establish the www.fixmystreet.ie initiative as committed to in the Programme for Government. [17398/11]

Local authorities have arrangements and applications in place which facilitate citizens in making complaints or suggestions or in reporting problems through various mediums, including by post, phone, text, fax, e-mail and on-line through their websites. In the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is working with local authorities in developing options for the enhancement of these arrangements which will further assist citizens in availing of local authority services and in reporting problems or faults to their local authority. I expect to receive proposals in this regard shortly.

RAPID Programme

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

343 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if dormant accounts funding is available for Mullingar RAPID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17416/11]

Under Government Accounting procedures, disbursements on dormant accounts measures are paid in the first instance "up front" from my Department's Vote in the same way as with any other spending programme. The Dormant Accounts budget for my Department for 2011 is fully committed to existing projects, and my priority must be to ensure that legal contractual commitments are met.

The position with dormant accounts expenditure compared with other funding programmes is that once spending takes place, it is reimbursed to the Exchequer from the Dormant Accounts Fund in accordance with the Dormant Accounts Acts, in the form of Appropriations-in-Aid payable through the Department's Vote. In this way, the costs associated with dormant accounts measures are Exchequer "neutral". Monies disbursed from the Fund increase Government debt levels as the money belongs to the account holder, who can reclaim it at any time, and not to the State. Consequently, every euro spent from the Fund is regarded in accounting terms as a potential Government liability.

Six capital projects have been prioritised by Pobal under the RAPID Additionality Measure for Mullingar. The matter of progressing the RAPID Additionality measure to contract stage will be kept under active review in the light of availability of funding / levels of expenditure across the Department's Vote during 2011 and, if necessary, into 2012. In the event that a portion of the funding becomes available this year, it is proposed that it be made available to projects in an equitable way on the basis of priority, subject to recommendations from Pobal under agreed criteria.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

344 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the source of funding for group water schemes, if same is his Department, the local authority or other; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/11]

My Department provides annual block grant allocations to local authorities under its Rural Water Programme, which includes group water schemes. Under the programme, grants of 100% of the costs of certain works on group water schemes are covered by my Department while grants of up to 85% of the costs, subject to a maximum grant of €6,475.66 per house or €7,475.66 per house as the case may be, are available for other works on such schemes.

Responsibility for the administration of the programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. Details of the particular grant that may apply in any particular case may, therefore, be sought from the local authorities. In addition, the selection and approval of individual schemes for advancement and funding under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocations provided, is a matter for the local authorities.

Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 317

Environmental Policy

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

346 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he will take to reduce the impact of electromagnetic sensitivity which is estimated to impact on half the world’s population by 2017; if indemnities will be required from the communications industry; if he is in dialogue with the Department of Health on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15718/11]

The issue of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report published by Government in March 2007 entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. This report is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie/en/publications).

The Expert Group examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including the issue of electromagnetic hypersensitivity. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields. The Report and its recommendations were accepted by the Government and form the basis for current policy in this area.

The Report advised that majority scientific opinion to date was that a causal link between the symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity and exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has not been demonstrated. However, a minority group of scientists believe otherwise and extensive international research continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile phone masts, based on the conclusions of the Expert Group Report, is that there is no causal link between symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity and exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which are in force here. This applies irrespective of the location of the phone mast.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the licensing authority for the telecommunications industry, commissions audit reports to verify that its licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation. The detailed measurement results from over 700 transmitter sites surveyed to date have so far shown total compliance. Recorded levels of radio frequency signals are typically measured as being within the range of 0.002% to 2% of the safe exposure levels set by the ICNIRP guidelines. This is lower or comparable to radio frequency exposures from radio and television broadcasts. The location of licensed telecommunications antennae and the results of individual site survey reports can be found on ComReg's website: http://www.askcomreg.ie/mobile/siteviewer.273.LE.asp.

Planning Issues

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

347 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce new ways to assist persons who cannot afford to build now on lands on which planning permission has been granted and is about to run out soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17563/11]

Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, on application, the duration of a planning permission (normally 5 years) shall be extended, subject to certain requirements being complied with, including that substantial works have been carried out before the expiration of the original permission.

Section 28 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 amended Section 42 of the 2000 Act to provide additional grounds for extension of the duration of planning permission. The amended section 42 provides that planning permission may be extended where substantial works have not been undertaken, or where the development has not commenced, in cases where a planning authority is satisfied that there were considerations of a commercial, economic or technical nature beyond the control of the applicant which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works pursuant to the planning permission.

This latter provision is subject to the following qualifications—

that the planning authority is satisfied that there have been no significant changes in the development objectives in the development plan or in regional development objectives in the regional planning guidelines for the area of the planning authority since the date of the permission such that the development would no longer be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,

that the planning authority is satisfied that the development would not be inconsistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to any guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 of the Act, notwithstanding that they were so issued after the date of the grant of permission in relation to which an application is made under this section, and

that the planning authority is satisfied where the development has not commenced, that an environmental impact assessment, or an appropriate assessment, or both of those assessments, if required, was or were carried out before the permission was granted.

I consider that these provisions offer satisfactory mechanisms to address the issue and I have no plans to introduce further measures.

Elections Policy

Niall Collins

Ceist:

348 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which the forthcoming Presidential election will be held; the earliest and latest date on which this election may be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17565/11]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

349 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure that has to be followed by a local authority to nominate a candidate to contest the Presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17566/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.

The term of office of the current President expires on 10 November 2011. Article 12.3.3 of the Constitution provides that an election for the office of President shall be held in the 60 day period before the expiry of the term of office of the President. This gives a period commencing on 11 September 2011 and ending on 10 November 2011. No decision has been made on the date of the election.

Article 12.4.2 of the Constitution provides for the participation by County and City Councils in the nomination process for Presidential candidates. A candidate in the Presidential election needs to be nominated by not less than 20 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas or by not less than four City or County Councils. The nomination process is a reserved function of the Councils and is regulated by law under section 16 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993. The main points arising are as follows:

Councils may, by resolution, resolve to nominate one candidate,

Not less than 3 clear days notice of the intention to propose the resolution must be given in writing to every person, who, at the time when the notice is given, is a member of the Council,

A resolution under section 16 of the Act cannot be passed before the making of the Presidential Election Order — this Order, which is made under section 6 of the Act, sets out the last day on which the Presidential Returning Officer may receive nominations, the date and time of the poll at the election and other details, and

The resolution of the Council must be given effect by means of a nomination paper, as prescribed in the Presidential Elections (Forms) Regulations 2011, sealed with the seal of the Council and delivered to the Presidential Returning Officer.

To assist Councils in this matter, a circular, detailing the process and the legislative provisions, was sent by my Department to each City and County Manager on 10 May 2011. At this early stage, no Presidential Election Order has been made and no Presidential Returning Officer has been appointed.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

350 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to implement a scheme for upgrading and replacing ineffective septic tanks and sewerage treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17589/11]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

351 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will bring forward new regulations regarding existing septic tanks for one off houses. [17608/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 351 together.

In October 2009, the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland failed to adopt the necessary legislation to comply with Articles 4 and 8 of Council Directive 75/442/EEC, known as the Waste Directive, regarding domestic wastewaters disposed of in the countryside through septic tanks and other individual wastewater treatment systems. The Government recently approved the urgent drafting of a Bill to provide for the establishment of a new system for the inspection and monitoring of the performance of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. The Bill will be published as soon as possible and my intention will be to pursue its early enactment thereafter.

Fire Stations

Niall Collins

Ceist:

352 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a fire service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17613/11]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. Accordingly, the question of whether the voluntary fire service referred to in the question should continue to operate is a matter for the relevant fire authority.

County, city and borough councils are designated fire authorities under the legislation. Outside the main cities which employ full-time fire fighters, fire services are provided by a retained staffing system. Retained fire-fighters are employees of fire authorities, and are organised to provide a full professional fire service for their communities. They are trained, equipped, supervised and operate to the same procedures as their full-time colleagues. Volunteer fire units operate in a relatively small number of areas, but outside the direct control of the fire authority.

The volunteer unit in question does not have the requisite training to attend certain types of incidents. While it has received some training, equipment and funding from the Council in the past, it does not report to and is not under the control of the Council's Fire Section.

As part of my Department's role in supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services, including the setting of national policy and the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme, a programme for the preparation and dissemination of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) covering all aspects of operational activity is in train. These are intended to assist fire authorities to meet their statutory duties, with due cognisance to compliance with health and safety.

Consultancy Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

353 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18175/11]

The amount paid by my Department, including Met Éireann an operating Division of the Department, under two contracts for outsourced IT services, was €511,567 in 2010 and €228,934 to the end of May 2011.

The Department does not hold information on outsourced IT services for bodies under its aegis.

Local Authority Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

354 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18196/11]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.

Due to the particular nature of the Local Government Sector, with 34 County and City Councils of differing scales, providing a range of services in urban and rural settings, there are organisation structures and job titles that are specific to particular local authorities.

Information regarding the main grades, common throughout the local authority system, is provided in the following tables. Generally, where there are job titles specific to a particular local authority the pay scale will be set at an equivalent level to that of an analogous grade from the list below.

Grades and Pay Scales: From 1 January 2010

Indoor:

City / County Manager

€132k — €189k (in ranges of LA)

Director of Service / Equivalents

€90k to €106k

County Engineer / Equivalents

€78k to €95k

Senior Engineer / Equivalents

€73k to €87k

Senior Executive Engineer / Equivalents

€62k to €78k

Executive Engineer / Equivalents

€46k to €66k

Assistant Engineer / Equivalents

€40k to €57k

Graduate Engineer

€32k to €38k

Senior Executive Officer (Grade 8) / Equivalents

€64k to €84k

Administrative Officer (Grade 7) / Equivalents

€47k to €61k

Senior Staff Officer (Grade 6) / Equivalents

€44k to €55k

Staff Officer (Grade 5) / Equivalents

€40k to €48k

Assistant Staff Officer (Grade 4) / Equivalents

€28k to €42k

Clerical Officer (Grade 3) / Equivalents

€23k to €37k

Outdoor:

Craft

€670 to €840 pw

General Services Supervisor

€695 to €833 pw

General Operatives

€580 to €622 pw

Water Caretakers

€584 to €692 pw

Annual Salary Scales for PART TIME (RETAINED) Fire Fighters (Effective 01/01/2010)

Length of Service

Salary

0 — 5 years

€8,402

5 — 10 years

€9,439

10 years +

€10,383

Hourly rate of attendance

Drill Rate per hour

€19.86

Fire Rate per hour

Day

1st hour

€39.72

Subsequent hour

€19.86

Night/Weekend

1st hour

€79.44

Subsequent hour

€39.72

Weekly Salary Scales for FULL TIME Fire Fighters

Dublin, Cork and Limerick City Council

Waterford City Council, Galway, Kilkenny and Sligo County Council, Drogheda Borough Council, Dundalk Town Council

Scale (Point)

Effective 01/01/2010

Scale (Point)

Effective 01/01/2010

1

€477.34

1

€476.07

2

€564.40

2

€563.13

3

€616.90

3

€615.63

4

€669.65

4

€668.38

5

€722.04

5

€720.77

6

€738.76

6

€737.49

7

€781.86

7

€780.59

LSI 1 11 yrs

€813.62

LSI 1 12 yrs

€812.35

LSI 2 17 yrs

€849.62

LSI 2 20 yrs

€848.35

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

355 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is a delay in the Garda vetting of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17001/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that no vetting applications have been received in respect of the first of the persons to whom the Deputy refers. In the circumstances, I can only suggest that the person contacts the registered organisation involved.

I am also informed that two vetting applications in respect of the second person to whom the Deputy refers have been received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). The applications are being processed at present and a response will issue as soon as possible.

I am further informed that two vetting applications were received by the GCVU on behalf of the third person to whom the Deputy refers. One of the applications was processed and has been returned to the registered organisation. However, the other application was incomplete and it has been returned to the registered organisation for completion. Once a completed application is received by the Vetting Unit it will be processed accordingly.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

356 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17057/11]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has one Minister of State, Ms. Kathleen Lynch T.D. who was appointed on 10 March 2011.

Minister of State Lynch has general responsibility for equality issues in my Department but also plays a role, as required, in relation to all aspects of the Department's work, for instance representing the State at meetings here and abroad in the Justice and Equality areas.

Garda Deployment

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

357 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide additional gardaí and resources to counteract the increase in murders, gun crime, tiger kidnapping and crimes in general. [17069/11]

Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and the situation is kept under continuing review to ensure optimum use is made of all resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 31 May 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 14,262.

Multi-disciplinary approaches are utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in all criminal enterprises are effectively targeted, including the use of the Proceeds of Crime, the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, together with the Criminal Assets Bureau, whose powers I plan to strengthen in relation to forfeiting the proceeds of crime, including drug trafficking and dealing. Members of An Garda Síochána utilise all available legislation, including the additional legislative provisions introduced by the Oireachtas in 2009 which amended the Criminal Justice Act 2006 relating to organised crime. This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent.

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in relation to policing matters which the Government fully intend to implement.

Visa Applications

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

358 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a holiday visa application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17110/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Garda Operations

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

359 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times in 2009 and 2010 that members of An Garda Síochána have been called to accident and emergency departments in hospitals to diffuse situations which have arisen and warranted garda assistance; the number of incidents which have broken out per hospital per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17120/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí may be called to hospital emergency departments for a range of reasons. These include, in addition to public disorder type incidents, formal identification of deceased persons, matters relating to missing persons and theft-related incidents, including property lost, found or recovered.

It is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

National Disability Strategy

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

360 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the national disability strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17185/11]

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers calls for priority to be given to the National Disability Strategy within the resources available. I agree with this sentiment, which is also in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government to publish, following wide consultation, a realistic implementation plan for the Strategy, including sectoral plans with achievable timescales and targets within available resources and ensuring whole-of-government involvement and monitoring of the Strategy, in partnership with the disability sector. The Strategy which was launched in 2004 is, in large measure, being implemented. However, in order to progress towards meeting the commitment in the Programme for Government, I am currently assessing the Strategy's monitoring and implementation structures and what may now be required to re-energise the Strategy and its implementation.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

361 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17244/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I have no official responsibility to the Dáil in relation to this matter. The Minister for Finance is responsible for the mileage and subsistence allowance rates and other allowances paid to Members of the Oireachtas.

Citizenship Applications

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

362 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive a response to their application for naturalisation; the timeframe for an application of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17290/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May, 2009.

The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, I can inform the Deputy that, I have announced steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements include improved application forms that came into force on Friday, 24 June 2011, and are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application and plans to recruit interns under the new Internship Programme. Further details can be obtained from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration website www.inis.gov.ie.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

363 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive a response to their application for naturalisation; the timeframe for an application of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17291/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in October, 2009.

The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, I can inform the Deputy that, I have announced steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements include improved application forms that came into force on Friday, 24 June 2011, and are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application and plans to recruit interns under the new Internship Programme. Further details can be obtained from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration website www.inis.gov.ie.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

364 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive a response to their application for naturalisation; the timeframe for an application of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17292/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2010.

The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, I can inform the Deputy that, I have announced steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements include improved application forms that came into force on Friday, 24 June 2011, and are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application and plans to recruit interns under the new Internship Programme. Further details can be obtained from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration website www.inis.gov.ie.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Garda Investigations

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

365 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 3 May 2011, when the information requested will issue. [17297/11]

I refer to my earlier reply to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 3 May 2011 and I regret the delay in replying.

I have since been advised by the Garda Authorities that where a decision is taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute a particular case, the investigation file remains open and all of the evidence gathered during the course of the investigation is retained. The statute of limitations does not apply to criminal cases and there is no specified time period for the retention or destruction of crime investigation files.

Having said that, however, the Garda Síochána is a scheduled body within the meaning of section 1 of the National Archives Act 1986 and is, therefore, legally obliged to retain and preserve ‘Departmental Records' made in the course of its business, including crime investigation files, in accordance with the provisions of that Act. As against that, the Garda Síochána, as a Data Controller pursuant to the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, has a responsibility to ensure that personal data is retained for no longer than is necessary for the purpose or purposes for which it was obtained. To meet these, in some respects counter-balancing obligations, the Garda Síochána is required to be clear about the reason why information is being retained and the length of time the data is to be kept. This requires the Garda Síochána to ensure that files are regularly reviewed so that personal data is not retained any longer than is necessary.

Proposed Legislation

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

366 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No 274 of 7 June 2011, if, in view of the Department of Finance briefing papers to the Minister for Finance which state that his Department will be expected to prepare legislation on legal costs and the legal profession and have it enacted by the agreed deadline, he is satisfied that publication, rather than enactment, of the proposed Legal Services Bill will meet the hiss commitment in the EU/IMF Memorandum of Understanding to introduce legislative changes by the agreed deadline of the end of Quarter 3 of 2011. [17306/11]

The position is as I have stated in my detailed response to the Deputy on 7 June 2011. The time-line for publication of the proposals is Quarter 3 of 2011.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

367 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for Garda clearance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17309/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. The application has been processed and a response was returned to the registered organisation involved.

Question No. 368 withdrawn.

Garda Operations

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

369 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the Schengen Agreement with regard to cross-Border co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána; his further views that there is room to go further with respect to a hot pursuit policy; what he envisages for the future with regard to the Schengen Agreement and further cooperation between the PSNI and the Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17413/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, there is excellent police-to-police co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, particularly in the ongoing fight against paramilitary groups and organised crime. The relationship between the two police forces has never been closer and is being brought forward in the context of the recently launched Cross Border Policing Strategy. This co-operation includes, on occasion, members of the Garda Síochána accompanying PSNI officers in Northern Ireland and PSNI officers accompanying members of An Garda Síochána in this jurisdiction. However, neither An Garda Síochána nor the PSNI exercise police powers in such cases while in the other's jurisdiction. In their applications to participate in the Schengen Agreement, neither Ireland nor the United Kingdom will be opting in at this time to Article 41, which provides for hot pursuit across international borders. In order to be effective, it will be necessary for both member states to opt in at the same time. However, I repeat that An Garda Síochána and the PSNI already maintain very close co-operation and contact in real-time operational scenarios.

Garda Remuneration

John Lyons

Ceist:

370 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount he has spent on Garda payslips in 2010 and to date in 2011; his plans to change the system of payment whereby payslips are distributed electronically as in other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17414/11]

Under the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement), An Garda Síochána is committed to the replacement of paper payslips by providing members with electronic access to this information by December 2011. My Department is currently examining the technicalities involved. It is necessary to determine the most effective and efficient implementation approach, taking into account that the working environment of members of An Garda Síochána differs considerably from most other public servants who have ready access to computers and printers at their desks. The total cost of providing paper payslips amounted to €410,487 in 2010 and €203,131 for the year to date.

Employment Rights

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

371 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rights in place for women in the workplace who wish to breastfeed their children by expressing; if the current legislation in a private sector job to be provided with a private room up until the baby is six months will be extended to two years as recommended by the World Health Organisation. [17418/11]

I draw the Deputy's attention to Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 and to the Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers who are Breast-feeding) Regulations 2004. Under these provisions, all women in employment who have given birth within the previous six months and who are breast-feeding are entitled to take time off work each day in order to breastfeed. I should explain that employers are not obliged to provide facilities in the workplace to facilitate breast-feeding if the provision of such facilities would give rise to considerable costs. At the choice of her employer, the employee may therefore opt to breast-feed in the workplace or express breast milk, where facilities are provided in the workplace by the employer; or have her working hours reduced (without loss of pay) to facilitate breast-feeding where facilities are not made available. While there are no plans at present to extend the statutory entitlement beyond six months, my Department will keep the matter under review as part of an overall review of maternity protection and family leaves in the light of developing European Union law in this area.

Asylum Support Services

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

372 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons for a reduction of €2.5 million in the cost of the direct provision system in the first two months of 2011 referred to at page 11 of the First Progress Report of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014; if this is a one off or recurrent saving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17429/11]

It is the function of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) to carry out Government policy in accommodating asylum seekers under the Direct Provision system. As of today, RIA has 46 centres across 19 counties, accommodating 5,800 residents. The system is constantly evolving, taking account of the ebb and flow of residents and the financial resources available to RIA. At the end of February 2011, the numbers needing to be accommodated by RIA (i.e. occupancy) had declined by almost 7% over the previous 12 months and this trend is continuing downwards. Taking the period specified in the question, the reduction in the cost of the direct provision system achieved in the first two months of 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010, arises from two principal factors: first, a reduction in bed spaces and second, direct cost cutting measures involving, in some cases, a reduction in the per diem rates arising from new contract negotiations and savings on utility costs in the State owned centres. To illustrate the former factor, the number of bed spaces being provided in the direct provision system (i.e. capacity) at the end of February 2010 was 7,689 and this was reduced to 7,015 a year later — a difference of 674, or almost 9%. If one assumes there is a continuing reduction in the number needing to be accommodated and the efforts to drive down costs proceed apace, there is every reason for one to conclude the cost of the system will continue to decline and the savings achieved so far this year will not be one-off. This will be part of a continuing decline in cost of the direct provision system in recent years, as illustrated by the following table:

Year

Cost (Outturn)

2008

€91 million

2009

€86 million

2010

€79 million

2011

€67.5 million (estimate)

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

373 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position with regards to residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17430/11]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 373 of 17 May 2011. The permission of the person concerned was renewed by her local immigration Office on 15 February 2011 and is currently valid up to 5 October 2013. I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas mail facility which has been specifically established for the purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

374 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed for the renewal of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that they have been in continuous employment in this jurisdiction since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/11]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the applicant has renewed his residency and has permission to remain in the State until 26 July 2015. I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

375 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/11]

The person concerned has had his temporary permission to remain in the State renewed for a further one-year period, until 11 April 2012. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 31 March 2011. I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Road Traffic Offences

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

376 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any prosecutions have been taken against drivers who tested negative for alcohol following a collision but positive for drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17440/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

377 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any cases have been taken for dangerous driving causing death when drugs have been a factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17441/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling, publishing and responding to queries regarding recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

378 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Coroner’s Bill 2007 will be brought before Dáil Éireann for final stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17442/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

381 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering ending the practice of Jurors in the Coroner’s Court being appointed by the Gardaí in view of the fact that under this practice the same jurors must attend all inquests currently being held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 381 together.

The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. The jury system is also being examined.

In the meantime, I am providing for some early reform of the coroner system in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 that was presented to the Seanad last week. Part 9 of that Bill provides for amalgamation of districts in Dublin and for certain other matters in relation to the filling of a vacancy of the office of coroner or deputy coroner.

Garda Complaints Procedures

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

379 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider extending the time limit allowed of six months in order for a complaint to be taken to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17443/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

380 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases, and the percentage of cases that, have been found to be inadmissible by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission due to their being made outside of the six month time limit for making a complaint to the GSOC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.

Section 84(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for a period of six months, beginning on the date of the conduct giving rise to the complaint, for a person to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Section 84(2) of that Act provides for an extension to the six month deadline if the Ombudsman Commission considers that there are good reasons for doing so.

In my opinion the six month deadline, together with the discretion afforded to the Ombudsman Commission to extend the time in particular cases where it is of the view that there is good reason to do so, strikes the right balance and provides a system that is fair and equitable to both members of the public who wish to make a complaint, and members of the Garda Síochána who will have to defend themselves in the face of such complaint and I do not propose to bring amending legislation to alter this statutory position.

The number and percentage of cases that have been found to be inadmissible by the Ombudsman Commission, by reason of time delay, are set out in the table below. It should be noted that an individual complaint may contain several allegations. In 2007, the Ombudsman Commission's first year of operations, the benefit of recording both the number of complaints and the number of allegations separately became clear and its recording mechanisms were subsequently refined. A full and detailed breakdown of both complaints and allegations deemed inadmissible by reason of being out of time is, therefore, not available for the years 2007 and 2008.

Year

C: ComplaintsA: Allegations

% and Number of complaints / allegations received and deemed inadmissible as “out of time”

2007

C- 2084

C- 6% 125

2008

A- 4227

A- 8% 338

2009

C- 2097A- 3509

C- 9% 188A- 8% 280

2010

C- 2258A- 4931

C- 7% 158A- 5% 248

Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 378.

Inquiries into Garda Activities

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

382 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has examined the practice of ex-Gardaí allegedly acting as agents for motor insurance companies in view of the fact the allegations that some reports have found their way to agents, within 24 hours of an investigation opening into serious and fatal collisions and before all witness statements have been gathered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17446/11]

Allegations of this nature were previously the subject of an investigation which resulted in an Investigation File being submitted to the Law Officers in 2009. The findings of the Law Officers at that time were that no evidence was found of any impropriety, interference or improper advances by either serving or former members of An Garda Síochána.

The general position is that when a Garda member leaves An Garda Síochána their access to Garda Information systems is disabled and there is no mechanism whereby they can access these information systems. Serving and former members of the Force are subject to the prohibition on the disclosure of information contained in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Section 62 of that Act was enacted for the purpose of specifically prohibiting a person who is or was a member of the Garda Síochána, or of its civilian staff, from disclosing information obtained in the course of his or her duties. The section provides stiff penalties, fines up to €75,000 and/or up to 7 years imprisonment for conviction on indictment, for persons who contravene its provisions and receive any gift, consideration or advantage as an inducement to disclose any information.

The Garda Síochána takes its responsibilities in relation to information in its possession very seriously and any allegation of misuse will be investigated. If the Deputy has more recent and specific information alleging unauthorised disclosure of Garda data it should be provided to the Garda authorities so that it can be investigated in the proper way.

Juvenile Offenders

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

383 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of incidents of juvenile crime recorded in each Garda division in Mayo since 2006 to date in 2011; the number of cases dealt with by the juvenile diversion programme in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17479/11]

The Annual Reports of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme under Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, include details of the number of incidents of youth crime and the number of individual children referred to the Programme each year. This information is broken down by Garda Region and Division. The reports for period 2004 -2009 are available on the website of the Irish Youth Justice Service (www.iyjs.ie). I understand that the report for 2010 is nearing completion and I will publish it as soon as possible after I receive it.

Deportation Orders

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

384 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [17486/11]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the persons referred to by the Deputy are the subjects of Deportation Orders, signed on 27 July 2010, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of their asylum claims and applications for subsidiary protection, and a detailed examination of the representations they submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).

However, if new information or circumstances have come to light, which has a direct bearing on their case and which has arisen since the original decision to make the Deportation Orders was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of the Deportation Orders pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.

The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

I shouldremind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Judicial Staff

Derek Keating

Ceist:

385 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual leave that the various grades of judges receive per year; the allowance that judges are paid per year; the travel and subsistence rates that judges are paid per year and the staff that each of the grades of judges have working for them in tabular form. [17550/11]

The annual leave allocation for District Court judges, which is taken in consultation with the President of the District Court, is as follows:

Permanently assigned judges are allocated 12 days annual leave plus the month of August.

Unassigned judges are allocated 36 days annual leave.

District Court judges are also available, as required, for sitting out of hours.

The allocation of leave to judges of the Circuit and Superior Courts is subject to consultation with the President of the appropriate court. Judges of these courts sit during term and are also available, as required, for sitting out of hours and during vacation periods. Judges of the High and Supreme Court also use vacation time for writing judgments.

Under the provisions of section 164 of the Finance Act 1994, an annual expense allowance is payable to members of the judiciary as follows:

Table 1 - Current Annual Allowance

Grade

Annual Allowance Rate

Chief Justice President of the High Court Judge of the Supreme Court Judge of the High Court President of the Circuit Court President of the District Court

€9,057.96 (€754.83 monthly)

Judge of the Circuit Court

€2,730.02 (€227.50 monthly)

Judge of the District Court

€1,365.01 (€113.75 monthly)

Travel and subsistence expenses are payable to judges for travel and subsistence necessarily incurred for attendance in court away from their home location. Judges' travel and subsistence is determined by the number of court sittings and the mileage required to attend at court venues within their district or circuit or in the case of unassigned judges to venues within the Circuit or District to which they have been temporarily assigned. The different rates and rules applying are very extensive and I will arrange to convey the details to the Deputy directly. However, the following rates are generally applicable:

Table 2 - Mileage rates for Circuit and District Court

Travel per year

Engine up to 1200cc

1201cc to 1500cc

1501cc to 1887cc

1888cc and over

Up to 6,437 kms

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

over 6,438 kms

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

Table 3 - Subsistence Rates for Circuit and District Court

Allowance type

Amount€

Night allowance- normal- reduced

121.43-113.12

Day allowance- 10 hours or more- 5 hours or more

37.04-14.12

Sitting room allowance (vouched) Circuit Court only

36.69

Garage allowance

4.37

Table 4 - Court Attire expenses

Item

Max recoupable cost€

Minimum replacement period

Wig

2,195

lifetime

Frock coat

745

2 years

Frock coat without tails

575

2 years

Gown

389.50

3 years

Waistcoat

165

2 years

Bands/Tabs

12

6 months

Table 5 - Judicial Support Staff for Judges by jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

Dedicated staff per Judge

Shared High Court secretarial staff

Temporary researchers available for all Judges

Contract researchers allocated by the President of the High Court

Shared Library staff available to all judges

Chief Justice

3

Supreme Court Judges

2

President of the High Court

2

High Court Judges

1

President of Circuit Court

2

Circuit Court Judges

1

President of District Court

1

District Court Judges

0

Group resources

7

6

10

4

Derek Keating

Ceist:

386 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of judges who have been appointed to regions of more that 20 kilometres from their home; the cost of their travel and subsistence; their allowance and expenses in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/11]

As the Deputy will appreciate court districts and circuits have more than one court venue and judges are required to travel between venues. There are 17 District judges and 13 Circuit Court judges assigned to districts or circuits the border of which is more than 20 km from their home. Details of payments made are set out as follows.

Table 1 District Court 2010

Judge

Home Travel & Subsistence

Judicial Attire & Expenses

1

€3,100

2

€4,340.41

€1,326

3

€19,439.66

4

€7,181.92

5

€34,270.84

6

€3,309.83

7

€32,294.82

8

€18,678.69

9

€20,256.16

10

€19,063.08

€450

11

€11,689.49

€700

12

€9,613.69

13

0

14

€37,046.85

15

€25,869.98

€1,114.50

16

17

€4,203.43

€532.90

Total

€250,359

€4,123.40

Table 2 Circuit Court 2010

Judge

Travel and Subsistence

Judicial Attire & Expenses

1

€2,610.12

2

€28,949.77

3

€20,997.32

4

€28,342.33

5

€24,803.35

€1,279.00

6

€29,367.50

€606.20

7

€17,718.10

€982.00

8

€24,805.71

€982.00

9

€10,792.59

€1,279.00

10

€30,872.62

11

€7,932.64

12

€22,821.24

€889.00

13

€9,912.56

Total

€259,925.85

€6,017.20

It should be noted that judges also receive an annual expense allowance to cover the provision of a study and suitable library facilities when required to work at home, e.g. dealing with urgent applications in the case of the District Court or in the Higher Courts for the research and formulation of judgments. Unlike the allowances above, the annual expense allowance is paid from central funds directly through judges' remuneration. The current rates payable are:

President of the Circuit Court —€9,057.96

President of the District Court —€9,057.96

Circuit Court Judge —€2,730.02

District Court Judge —€1,365.01

Garda Stations

Derek Keating

Ceist:

387 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish a Garda sub station in Palmerstown Dublin 20; his plans to provide the Palmerstown community with an enhanced policing service in view of the increase in crime in the local area and the significant increase in reported break ins and anti-social behaviour in local fields and open spaces and the fact that Palmerstown is serviced by two Garda stations, Lucan and Ballyfermot, depending on manpower and events that may be taking place in Dublin which can often withdraw members on duty to cover such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17559/11]

The location of Garda stations is primarily a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Palmerstown area is policed on a 24 hour basis by both Ballyfermot and Ronanstown Garda Stations in the DMR West Garda Division.

I also understand from the Garda authorities that there are no plans to open a new Garda station in Palmerstown and that the current arrangements for policing the area make the most efficient use of Garda resources. In that context the overall requirements of the area will continue to be kept under on-going review.

Residency Permits

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

388 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an application for a leave to stay will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17578/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 September, 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Asylum Applications

John Lyons

Ceist:

389 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of the 109 asylum seekers asked by the Reception and Integration Agency to transfer from the Mosney direct provision centre in July 2010 have had a final decision made by him on their claims for asylum, subsidiary protection or leave to remain; the number of these asylum seekers granted their claims for protection; the number refused; the nationalities of the 109 asylum seekers; the number of the asylum seekers that have been deported; the number still living in direct provision and the number that have left direct provision but are still here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/11]

The information sought in the question is not readily available and would have to be specifically compiled. To do so would involve the reallocation of resources at the expense of other more important tasks which would not be warranted.

For the sake of completeness I should add for the information of the Deputy that asylum seekers are regularly transferred to different direct provision centres throughout the country for normal operational reasons, including for reasons relating to the control of direct provision costs. Such transfers have no bearing whatsoever on the outcomes of applications for protection.

Legal Aid Service

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

390 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when free legal aid will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [17663/11]

I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board does not provide information to third parties regarding any individual who may or may not be a client of the Board. The solicitor/client relationship is protected by privilege in accordance with the terms of Section 32 of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995.

Consultancy Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

391 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18179/11]

The majority of my Department's agencies avail of my Department's IT Shared Service which is currently managed on an outsourced basis by a consortium of Irish SMEs led by IBM Ireland. Expenditure with this Consortium for the outsourced service was €5.7 million in 2010 and €2.1 million to June 2011. During 2010 the IT Shared Service achieved an availability rate of 99.7%. My Department will be going to the market shortly to seek reduced costs for replacement services.

My Department also avails of web hosting services from the Local Government Computer Services Board at a cost of €31,000 in 2010. It is anticipated that the cost for 2011 will be similar.

The Courts Service has a contract with Fujitsu (Ireland) Ltd for outsourced IT services and spent €3.8 million in 2010 and €1.5 million to June 2011.

The Irish Prison Service spent €1.6 million in 2010 and €700,000 year to date in 2011 on ICT support services with Harvey Nash.

It has not been possible to gather all of the information for all of the agencies not on the IT Shared Service in the time allowed but I will write to the Deputy with the information when it becomes available.

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

392 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18199/11]

I can inform the Deputy that in so far as the question relates to primary grades within my Department, the grades and pay scales being provided are in respect of grades within An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service.

Details of primary grades of civil servants in my Department and their relevant pay scales are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at http://per.gov.ie/. Details of other grades, not specified in circulars, can be obtained from Conciliation and Arbitration Section, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The relevant details are set out in the following tables:

An Garda Síochána

Rank

RSI Class

Min.

Max.

Garda on attestation

B

€24,890

After 22 weeks

B

€27,369

After Year 1

B

€28,867

After Year 17

B

€44,302

Sergeant

B

€44,725

€51,385

Inspector

B

€51,660

€57,243

Superintendent

B

€70,514

€82,183

Chief Superintendent

B

€84,455

€101,085

Assistant Commissioner

B

€139,444

Deputy Commissioner

B

€157,961

Commissioner

B

€185,000

Garda Recruits (Weekly rate)

A

€192.27

Garda on attestation

A

€25,745

After 22 weeks

A

€28,302

After Year 1

A

€29,834

After Year 17

A

€45,793

Sergeant

A

€46,229

€53,119

Inspector

A

€53,404

€59,178

Superintendent

A

€72,841

€84,909

Chief Superintendent

A

€87,259

€104,457

Assistant Commissioner

A

€144,213

Deputy Commissioner

A

€163,365

Commissioner

A

€191,329

Irish Prison Service

Grade

RSI Class

Min €

Max €

Recruit Prison Officer w/e 01/10/2011

A

22,124

23,958

Recruit Prison Officer

A

24,582

26,620

Prison Officer

A

31,329

43,580

Assistant Chief Officer

A

41,733

49,473

Clerk 2

A

46,735

54,284

Clerk 1

A

53,160

60,671

Chief Officer 2

A

46,735

54,284

Chief Officer 1

A

53,160

60,671

Assistant Governor

A

57,132

65,212

Deputy Governor

A

62,434

71,297

Governor 3

A

72,318

88,250

Governor 2

A

75,913

95,805

Governor 1

A

83,600

104,419

Recruit Prison Officer

B

23,353

25,289

Prison Officer

B

29,800

41,439

Assistant Chief Officer

B

39,683

47,035

Clerk 2

B

39,683

47,035

Clerk 1

B

44,436

51,608

Chief Officer 2

B

44,436

51,608

Chief Officer 1

B

50,539

57,677

Assistant Governor

B

54,312

61,991

Deputy Governor

B

59,348

67,860

Governor 3

B

68,825

83,963

Governor 2

B

72,244

91,140

Governor 1

B

79,547

99,323

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

393 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17237/11]

In accordance with Government Decision of 15 March 2011, I retain a State car and Garda drivers. The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence is entitled to claim motor mileage allowance in respect of the use of his private car on official business.

All expenses and allowances payable to myself and the Minister of State are in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines and circulars and are available at www.finance.gov.ie.

Athbhreithniú Fórsaí Cosanta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

394 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cosanta an bhfuil aon ordú tugtha aige i leith An Chéad Chathláin Coisithe nó an bhfuil scaoileadh déanta aige ar an ordú a thug an tIar-Aire ina leith agus an féidir leis deimhniú a thabhairt go gcoinneofar An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe agus go mbeidh sé lonnaithe go hiomlán i nDún Uí Mhaoilíosa, An Rinn Mhór, Contae na Gaillimhe agus nach ndéanfar aon laghdú ar líon na gcomhaltaí ann. [17248/11]

Faoi láthair tá oifigigh i mo Roinnse, i gcomhchomhairle le comhghleacaithe míleata, ag déanamh scrúdaithe ar chaiteachas cosanta mar chuid den athbhreithniú cuimsitheach ar chaiteachas, a d'fhógair an Rialtas le déanaí. Tá treoir tugtha do Ranna na roghanna ar fad atá ann maidir le caiteachas a laghdú a leagan amach lena gcinneadh ag an Rialtas. Níl aon rogha curtha as an áireamh ag an tráth seo.

Defence Forces Review

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

395 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he has made any order in relation to the retention of the Equitation School in the Defence Forces; or if he has rescinded the order in this regard of the previous Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/11]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which was established to examine all current Exchequer spending across all Departments and agencies and to identify where expenditure and staff savings might be made identified a saving by discontinuing the Army Equitation School. Despite this, on 3 March last, the then Minister for Defence, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, gave a direction to the Department of Defence that the re-organisation of the Defence Forces should progress on the basis that, inter alia, the Equitation School of the Defence Forces will be retained in the review of the Defence Vote programmes and expenditure arising from the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. Whilst I currently have no plans to discontinue the operation of the Army Equitation School, I will be keeping the matter under review, the previous Minister's direction notwithstanding.

Departmental Expenditure

John Lyons

Ceist:

396 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Defence the amount he has spent on Defence Forces payslips in 2010 and to date in 2011; his plans to change the system of payment whereby payslips are distributed electronically as in other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17415/11]

The following amounts have been spent on the production of Defence Forces payslips, including cheques, in 2010 and in 2011 to date:

2010€52,366

2011 (to date)€24,393.

The Department is currently investigating technical options for the provision of payroll information to Defence Forces personnel by electronic means that are cost effective and overcome the fact that many Defence Force personnel do not have access to electronic information in the normal course of their duties.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

397 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the specific roles and responsibilities of the Minister of State in his Department. [17420/11]

The Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., also performs the role of Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach. I have not delegated a specific function to the Minister of State.

Army Barracks

John McGuinness

Ceist:

398 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm the number of army personnel located at Kilkenny military barracks in each of the past five years; his plans to increase this number as part of the reorganisation of the force in the region; the amount of money spent on improving accommodation, upgrading facilities or other such works at the barracks in each of the past five years and his intentions in relation to the future of the barracks. [17643/11]

I am advised by the military authorities that the number of army personnel located at Kilkenny military barracks in each of the last five years is as follows:

2010271

2009288

2008309

2007319

2006303

A review of the organisational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. No decisions will be made on numbers of personnel in specific locations until this is complete.

The Department has committed the following amounts for each of the last 5 years on maintaining and improving the barracks at Kilkenny:

2010€309,002.55

2009€269,253.97

2008€533,476.98

2007€386,627.57

2006€437,4000.14

Total€1,935,761.57

Whilst no decision has been made in relation to the future of any particular military installation I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation or that any particular location will be excluded.

Industrial Relations

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received submissions from the various representative groups in the Defence Forces in relation to matters deemed likely to positively impact on the Defence Forces; the extent to which he proposes to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17644/11]

A Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the Permanent Defence Force was established in 1993 and provides a formal mechanism for both the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association to engage with the Official Side on matters which come within the scope of the Scheme. The purpose of the Scheme is to provide means acceptable to the parties for the determination of claims and proposals relating to matters such as remuneration, other conditions of service and career development. It also allows the Representative Side to bring forward for discussion subjects not listed under the scheme if the Minister agrees they are appropriate for discussion by the Council. The scheme provides a range of fora for engagement with the Associations, from Council and subcommittee meetings to less formal meeting and contacts. There is extensive engagement with both Associations in relation to the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park). It is the aim of the parties to ensure administration and implementation of the scheme in consonance with the true spirit of conciliation and arbitration as it obtains to the public service generally. The existence of the scheme does not imply that the Government has surrendered or can surrender its liberty of action in the exercise of its constitutional authority and the discharge of its responsibilities in the public interest.

Army Barracks

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the various military barracks and other establishments throughout the country are adequately maintained to the highest standards; his plans to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17645/11]

The Department is engaged in ongoing capital building and maintenance programmes designed to modernise and enhance the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The capital building programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The ongoing maintenance programme ensures that necessary repairs are carried out at all military installations.

Under the capital programme there has been considerable capital investment in various military installations over the last number of years. Major projects completed in the last number of years include a new Avionics Workshop at Casement Aerodrome (approximate cost €3m), the refurbishment of the Brigade HQ and Military Medical Facility at Collins Barracks in Cork (approximate cost €2.8m) and the upgrade of ‘E' Block in Aiken Barracks (approximate cost €2m). Major projects completed in the Curragh include the new Armoured Vehicle Garaging Facility (approximate cost €2.2m), the re-roofing of the Military Medical Facility (approximate cost €1.0m) and the new Heritage Centre (approximate cost €0.8m).

The Capital Budget for 2011 is €8.64 million. New projects commencing in 2011 include the refurbishment of the McDonagh Barracks Catering Centre and the construction of a new Administration Building, both in the Curragh, the new Automated Marking System Firing Range at Lynch Camp in Kilworth and the replacement of Hangar No. 1 at Casement Aerodrome. In addition to the capital budget a further €5m has been made available for on-going maintenance works.

I am satisfied that there is sufficient funding available to allow a continuation of the programmes to ensure that members of the Defence Forces have the best possible facilities available to meet their needs.

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces, Army, Navy and Air Corps, the strength of the Reserve in each case; if he has satisfied himself that the relevant strengths are in accordance with requirements and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17646/11]

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 May 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,650 comprising 7,847 Army, 787 Air Corps and 1,016 Naval Service personnel. The total number of commissioned officers serving as of 31 May 2011 was 1,350. The total strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of 31 May 2011 was 5,642, comprising 5,420 Army reserve and 222 Naval reserve.

The approved Employment Control Framework for the Permanent Defence Force is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. In 2011, the Defence Organisation, like all areas of the public service, is operating on a reduced budget. The programme for Government also sets out a target for further fiscal consolidation over the period to 2015. In the context of the Employment Control Framework and the available resource envelope, the Military Authorities and officials of the Department are now in the process of agreeing a restructuring of the Permanent Defence Force to ensure its capability to meet the roles assigned to it by Government.

Overall numbers in the Permanent Defence Force, including numbers serving at various ranks will be subject to ongoing control and monitoring on a monthly basis. This is to ensure compliance within the overall parameters and controls set by Government for each sector. The ECF also sets out that it will be necessary to underpin the re-organisation with the required amendments to Regulations and Administrative Instructions.

I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Naval Service Operations

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total length of shoreline for which the Navy and Air Corps are responsible for in terms of surveillance; the way this compares with similar responsibilities in other EU countries; the extent to which the costs for such surveillance is shared throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17647/11]

The current Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, (EEZ) or Exclusive Fishery Limits, (EFL) extends to 200 miles offshore and covers an area of 132,000 nautical square miles which is equivalent to an area of 175,000 square land miles. This represents 16% of EU waters. The size of the EFL for surveillance purposes is more relevant than the length of the shoreline. The UK for example has a much longer shoreline than the Republic of Ireland but due to its proximity to Ireland, France and other countries, its EFL only extends to a much shorter distance. The Naval Service and the Air Corps currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary including coastal areas. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time, and all vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery and drug interdiction operations.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our EEZ using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.

Funding is available from the EU under the Fisheries Control Programmes to strengthen fishery surveillance systems in Member State countries. The Naval Service and the Air Corps through my Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, apply on an annual basis for EU funding for projects that enhance their fisheries surveillance role.

In relation to maritime surveillance generally, an Inter-Departmental Maritime Surveillance Working Group (MarSur WG), chaired by the Department of Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, was established under the auspices of the Maritime Co-ordination Group of Assistant Secretaries. The Working Group is working towards the creation of a common information-sharing environment to enhance safety and security within the Irish maritime domain. The National MarSur project is mirroring attempts in the EU for countries to share their maritime data with the national authorities of other countries within the EU. The Department of Defence and the Naval Service are represented on this Group along with other Government Departments and Agencies responsible for safety and security in the maritime environment. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport which chairs the Inter-Departmental Maritime Surveillance Working Group is currently investigating the possibility of accessing funding at EU level to assist in progressing the National MarSur project.

Ireland along with some other EU countries participate in the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N). This Centre has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force with access to national tasking agencies and requires participation and resource sharing from all active members. An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service have full-time officers based at the Centre in Lisbon. Irish Naval Service personnel travel to the Centre when requested by the Joint Task Force.

I am satisfied that the necessary supports and resources at both national and international level are available to the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist them in this challenging work.

Overseas Missions

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU and UN colleagues in the matter of further peace keeping or peace enforcement engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/11]

Ireland is currently contributing 563 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 446 personnel, the EU-led Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 44 personnel and the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO. Ireland is currently participating in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which has been on stand-by since 1 January 2011 and which will stand down on Thursday next 30 June 2011. The other countries contributing to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Our contribution is a Recce/ISTAR. Recce is an abbreviation of Reconnaissance. ISTAR is an acronym for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition and Reconnaissance. Recce/ISTAR Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force headquarters amounting to approximately 150 personnel.

Ireland is also committed to participation in the Austro-German led Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by for the second six months of 2012. Other contributors to the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Ireland's contribution to this Battlegroup will again be a Recce/ISTAR Company.

The total of 563 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas represents a significant contribution to international peacekeeping operations and the obligations Ireland has assumed through its membership of the UN. The recent deployment to UNIFIL has significantly increased the number of troops serving overseas, compared to the numbers serving in recent times.

The Department constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. It is currently examining options for future deployments and in this regard, it has been in contact with the European Union and United Nations in relation to their requirements for missions. However, following the deployment to UNIFIL and given the current financially straitened circumstances, it is not anticipated that there will be any major deployments of troops to further missions in the foreseeable future.

Naval Service Operations

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

404 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the full requirement in terms of sea-going vessels is available to the Naval Service at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/11]

The naval service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The number of patrol vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol. A contract was awarded in October 2010 following an open tender competition to Babcock Marine in the UK for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the Naval Service has ships available at all times to carry out their maritime taskings.

Naval Service Vessels

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

405 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all training facilities and equipment available to and used by the Naval Service is in keeping with best modern international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17650/11]

I am satisfied that Naval Services training methods and facilities are up to date in all respects. The Naval Service training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Naval Service by Government. On the issue of equipment, a contract was awarded in October 2010 following an open tender competition to Babcock Marine in the UK for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment is available to Naval Service personnel.

Air Corps Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

406 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all training facilities and equipment available to and used by the Air Corps is in keeping with best modern international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17651/11]

I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government. On the issue of equipment, I am satisfied that the equipment and aircraft available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

407 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself regarding the availability of the necessary resources to facilitate rapid deployment of Navy and Air Corps services in the event of major or minor emergencies locally or nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17652/11]

Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide assistance in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework in response to emergencies that may arise. Both the Air Corps and Naval Service assist regularly in major and minor emergencies that arise. In May of this year, the Air Corps responded to a request from the Local Authorities to assist in fire-fighting efforts in Counties Donegal and Mayo where forest and gorse fires had broken out. The Naval Service is regularly called upon to assist the Irish Coast Guard with search and rescue emergencies and pollution threats. In relation to Naval Service resources, following an open tender competition a contract was awarded in October 2010 to Babcock Marine in the UK for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the Naval Service will continue to be resourced at a level that will provide for their rapid deployment to emergencies that may arise.

There has been very significant investment in resources for the Air Corps in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the acquisition of Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, two light utility EC 135 helicopters at a cost of €12.8m, six utility AW 139 helicopters at a cost of €75m, and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational. The acquisition of these aircraft together with their maintenance programmes ensure that the Air Corps have the necessary resources available to respond to taskings they are assigned including local and national emergencies.

I am satisfied that the Air Corps and Naval Service have the necessary resources available to them to assist in emergencies that may arise.

Defence Forces Personnel

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

408 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of positions in respect of promotion currently remaining to be filled throughout the Defence Forces at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17653/11]

Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Force were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were obtained from the Minister for Finance, in June 2009. Official confirmation and details relating to the Employment Control Framework (ECF) were received on 18 October 2010 from the Department of Finance. The ECF is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them meet the roles assigned by Government.

The number of positions by rank in the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 May 2011 currently waiting to be filled, as compared with the Employment Control Framework for the Permanent Defence Force, are outlined in the following tabular statement. Officials from the Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of reviewing the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in accordance with the upper limits in ranks provided for in the ECF and subject to the resources available within the Defence budget.

Strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31st May, 2011 as compared with ECF figures

LTGEN

MAJGEN

BRIGGEN

COL

LTCOL

COMDT

CAPT/LT

SM/BQMS

CS/CQMS

SGTS/CPLS

PTES/CADETS

TOTAL

Strength at 31 May 2011

1

2

8

35

127

338

839

65

448

2,975

4,812

9,650

ECF

1

2

9

43

152

370

774

96

540

3,250

4,763

10,000

Vacancies by rank

-1

-8

-25

-32

+65

-31

-92

-275

+49

-350

Posts held for possible overseas appointments

1

2

4

15

22

Net Vacancies by rank

0

0

0

-6

-21

-17

+65

-31

-92

-275

+49

-328

Consultancy Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

409 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Defence the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18173/11]

The following table provides the information requested, in relation to contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011, for agencies under the aegis of the Department of Defence.

Agency

Year

Contract

Value (incl VAT)

Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

2010

Annual IT Support Services

€22,840

Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

2011

Annual IT Support Services

€25,448

Civil Defence Board

2010

Hosting of “Volunteer Register” system

€5,445

Civil Defence Board

2010

Maintenance of “Volunteer Register” database

€5,128

Civil Defence Board

2011

Hosting of “Volunteer Register” system

€5,445

Civil Defence Board

2011

Maintenance of “Volunteer Register” database

€4,811

Civil Defence Board

2011

Amendments to “Volunteer Register” database

€8,470

No sub-contracts or sub-sub-contracts were issued as a condition of any of these contracts.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

410 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18187/11]

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is listed by the Deputy and is under the aegis of the Department of Defence. The Department of Defence provides grant in aid on an annual basis to the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. A grant in aid of €520,000 has been allocated for 2011, €300,000 of which is for salary costs. The Office of the Ombudsman has a staff level of four (4), consisting of the Ombudsman, an Investigation Officer (Assistant Principal Officer), a Case Administrator (Higher Executive Officer) and an Administrative Assistant (Clerical Officer). There is no Board associated with the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Personnel

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

411 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18194/11]

In relation to the Defence sector, the details requested by the Deputy in relation to military personnel and civilian employees attached to military installations are contained in the tabular statements below.

Rates of pay and allowances for enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces W.E.F. 01/01/2010

NON-COMMISSIONED PERSONNEL

Point

Revised Weekly

Rates of Pay

RANK

01/01/2010

Private (Apprentice)

On enlistment

1

€244.86

After 1 years service

2

€294.68

After 2 years service

3

€391.06

After 3 years service

4

€465.98

Private, Grade 1/Seaman, Third Class

€371.15

Private, 2 Star/Seaman, Second Class

€455.70

Private, 3 Star/Seaman, First Class

0-3 years service

1

€474.86

over 3 years service

2

€491.82

over 4 years service

3

€504.79

over 5 years service

4

€517.71

over 6 years service

5

€553.80

Corporal/Leading Seaman

1

€568.97

2

€581.49

3

€594.14

4

€606.72

Sergeant/Petty Officer

1

€624.37

2

€639.52

3

€654.56

4

€669.77

C.Q.M.S./Senior Petty Officer

1

€722.66

2

€741.51

3

€760.29

4

€779.02

Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer

1

€736.14

2

€754.90

3

€773.69

4

€792.46

B.Q.M.S./Senior Chief Petty Officer

1

€800.52

2

€822.05

3

€843.44

4

€864.87

Sergeant-Major/Warrant Officer

1

€822.05

2

€843.44

3

€864.87

4

€886.37

ALLOWANCES — ENLISTED PERSONNEL

Revised Rates 01/01/2010

Military Service Allowance — Weekly

Privates with fewer than 3 years’ service

€41.57

Private; Cpl; Sgt;

€115.43

CQMS;Comp. Sgt; Sgt. Maj; BQMS

€122.87

Technician Pay — Weekly

Group 1

€8.08

Group 2

€26.90

Group 3

€40.42

Group 4

€53.93

Group 5

€80.75

Group 6

€134.69

Rates of pay and allowances for officers of the Permanent Defence Forces rate W.E.F 01/01/2010

MEMBERS OF THE CHAPLAINCY SERVICE

Revised

RATES OF PAY

Scale on 01/01/2010

Head Chaplain

€68,190

Chaplain in Charge on entry

€57,925

Chaplain in Charge after 10 years

€63,176

Chaplain in Charge after 15 years

€65,667

Substitute Chaplain in Charge

€57,925

Church of Ireland Clergyman

€17,247

MILITARY JUDGE

Revised

RATES OF PAY

Scale on 01/01/2010

Military Judge (Class A)

€138,394

Military Judge (Class C)

€131,474

These rates are exclusive of Military Service Allowance (MSA)

MSA is paid to all members of the Defence Forces up to the rank of Colonel, rates are outlined on final page.

CADETS — NEW FIVE POINT SCALE

(Intake of new Cadets 2005 competition onwards)

Revised

RATES OF PAY

Scale on 01/10/2010

On appointment and during first year of service

€18,443

From commencement of the second year of service

€19,010

€21,758

€24,592

€28,270

Class C

Class A*

OFFICERS PAY RATE 1

Point

Revised

Revised

Rate 1 is paid to all Officers other than those on rates 2 & 3 set out below

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

Rank (Army/NS)

Second-Lieutenant/Ensign

1st

€30,025

€31,573

2nd

€31,229

€32,838

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

1st

€34,195

€35,961

2nd

€35,408

€37,226

3rd

€36,721

€38,618

4th

€37,935

€39,890

5th

€39,141

€41,163

6th

€39,834

€41,891

7th

€40,841

€42,949

8th

€41,840

€44,010

Captain/Lieutenant

1st

€42,862

€45,077

2nd

€43,908

€46,180

3rd

€44,954

€47,274

4th

€46,005

€48,388

5th

€47,049

€49,490

6th

€48,097

€50,583

Maximum scale point

7th

€50,368

€52,978

1st LSI

€52,339

€55,055

2nd LSI

€54,412

€57,237

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

1st

€54,466

€57,294

2nd

€55,616

€58,514

3rd

€56,774

€59,721

4th

€57,925

€60,934

5th

€59,075

€62,147

Maximum scale point

6th

€63,176

€66,436

1st LSI

€65,666

€68,988

2nd LSI

€68,190

€71,646

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

1st

€67,265

€70,672

2nd

€68,980

€72,478

3rd

€70,911

€74,512

Maximum scale point

4th

€72,748

€76,445

1st LSI

€73,803

€77,556

2nd LSI

€74,862

€78,668

Colonel/Captain

1st

€77,157

€81,087

2nd

€81,645

€85,807

3rd

€86,136

€90,539

4th

€93,290

€98,075

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 —

Paid to Officers in the following categoriesEngineer Officer, Legal Officer, Army School of Music Officers, Executive Branch & Communications Officer — Naval Service, Psychologists, Military Analyst (Captain)

PRSI Rate

Class C

Class A*

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2

Point

Revised

Revised

RATES OF PAY

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

Rank (Army/NS)

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

1st

€41,395

€43,533

2nd

€42,703

€44,907

3rd

€44,119

€46,404

4th

€45,433

€47,779

5th

€46,508

€48,918

6th

€47,484

€49,931

7th

€48,568

€51,078

8th

€49,653

€52,227

Captain/Lieutenant

1st

€51,621

€54,290

2nd

€52,747

€55,486

3rd

€53,876

€56,673

4th

€55,009

€57,865

5th

€56,139

€59,058

6th

€57,271

€60,240

Maximum scale point

7th

€59,721

€62,827

1st LSI

€61,867

€65,080

2nd LSI

€64,120

€67,398

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

1st

€61,896

€65,109

2nd

€62,508

€65,757

3rd

€64,635

€67,928

4th

€66,729

€70,114

5th

€68,799

€72,293

Maximum scale point

6th

€73,906

€77,667

1st LSI

€76,373

€80,270

2nd LSI

€78,944

€82,972

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

1st

€79,191

€83,227

2nd

€80,970

€85,103

3rd

€82,970

€87,209

Maximum scale point

4th

€84,878

€89,215

1st LSI

€85,972

€90,369

2nd LSI

€87,063

€91,519

Colonel/Captain

1st

€89,450

€94,032

(Marine Engineer Superintendent)

2nd

€94,097

€98,924

3rd

€98,749

€103,818

4th

€106,162

€111,617

PRSI Rate

Class C

Class C

Class A*

Class A*

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3

Revised

Revised

Revised

Revised

RATES OF PAY FOR MEDICAL & DENTAL OFFICERS

Point

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

MEDICAL

DENTAL

MEDICAL

DENTAL

Rank

Lieutenant

1st

€38,776

€38,776

€40,784

€40,784

2nd

€39,956

€39,956

€42,015

€42,015

3rd

€41,224

€41,224

€43,360

€43,360

4th

€42,396

€42,396

€44,585

€44,585

5th

€43,365

€43,365

€45,610

€45,610

6th

€44,230

€44,230

€46,516

€46,516

7th

€45,210

€45,210

€47,545

€47,545

8th

€46,174

€46,174

€48,573

€48,573

Captain

1st

€61,297

€55,847

€64,485

€58,747

2nd

€63,639

€58,770

€66,917

€61,822

3rd

€64,820

€61,750

€68,126

€64,964

4th

€65,973

€62,899

€69,327

€66,151

5th

€67,125

€64,030

€70,522

€67,310

Maximum scale point

6th

€69,945

€64,511

€73,497

€67,804

1st LSI

€71,722

€69,347

€75,374

€72,866

2nd LSI

€72,987

€70,872

€76,697

€74,470

Commandant

1st

€73,813

€71,673

€77,567

€75,315

2nd

€75,049

€73,478

€78,880

€77,212

3rd

€76,295

€75,282

€80,185

€79,114

4th

€77,836

€77,087

€81,809

€81,012

Maximum scale point

5th

€80,425

€78,892

€84,531

€82,911

1st LSI

€84,895

€81,487

€89,247

€85,646

2nd LSI

€87,352

€87,248

€91,816

€91,709

Lieutenant-Colonel

1st

€88,387

€85,594

€92,906

€89,969

2nd

€90,305

€86,836

€94,928

€91,274

3rd

€92,459

€88,076

€97,203

€92,579

Maximum scale point

4th

€94,516

€89,316

€99,367

€93,885

1st LSI

€95,695

€90,555

€100,605

€95,190

2nd LSI

€96,868

€91,848

€101,847

€96,550

Colonel

1st

€97,997

€103,029

2nd

€102,823

€108,101

3rd

€107,675

€113,210

4th

€115,406

€121,491

PRSI Rate

Class C

Class A*

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3

Point

Revised

Revised

RATES OF PAY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

Rank

Captain

1st

€56,132

€59,049

2nd

€57,203

€60,185

3rd

€58,275

€61,305

4th

€59,356

€62,446

5th

€60,428

€63,577

6th

€61,505

€64,702

Maximum scale point

7th

€64,458

€67,759

1st LSI

€65,990

€69,343

2nd LSI

€68,057

€71,517

Commandant

1st

€64,865

€68,173

2nd

€65,964

€69,311

3rd

€67,055

€70,451

4th

€68,136

€71,594

5th

€69,214

€72,732

Maximum scale point

6th

€73,223

€76,954

1st LSI

€75,562

€79,420

2nd LSI

€78,036

€81,987

PRSI Rate

Class C

Class A*

ALLOWANCES — OFFICERS

Revised

Revised

Military Service Allowance (Para. 45A S.3)

Scale on 01/01/2010

Scale on 01/01/2010

OFFICERS PAY RATE 1

Second-Lieutenant/Ensign

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

Captain

€4,495

€4,730

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

€4,767

€5,020

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

Colonel/Captain

€4,681

€4,931

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

Captain/Lieutenant

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

€4,852

€5,106

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

Colonel/Captain

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3

Lieutenant

Captain

€4,344

€4,575

Commandant

€4,640

€4,886

Lieutenant-Colonel

€4,324

€4,552

Colonel/Captain

€4,818

€5,072

PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS

Captain

Commandant

€4,852

€5,106

* Class A PRSI applicable from the 1st April 1995

Rates of pay for officers of general rank (Class A & C) with effect from 01 January 2010

GENERALS

OFFICERS OF GENERAL RANK — CLASS A

Revised Scale

RATES OF PAY

01/01/2010

Brigadier-General

€132,511

Major-General

€145,762

Lieutenant-General **

€189,114

(Chief of Staff)

GENERALS

OFFICERS OF GENERAL RANK — CLASS C

RATES OF PAY

01/01/2010

Brigadier-General

€125,886

Major-General

€138,474

Lieutenant-General **

€179,658

(Chief of Staff)

The following are the rates of pay applicable to those deemed to be new entrants to the Public Service with effect from 1 January 2011, in accordance with instructions from the Department of Finance dated 21st December 2010.

Enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces recruited post 01/01/2011

NON-COMMISSIONED PERSONNEL

POINT

WEF

01/01/2011

RANK

Private (Apprentice)

On enlistment

1

€220.37

After 1 years service

2

€265.21

After 2 years service

3

€351.95

After 3 years service

4

€419.38

Private, Grade 1/Seaman, Third Class

€334.04

Private, 2 Star/Seaman, Second Class

€410.13

Private, 3 Star/Seaman, First Class

0-3 years service

1

€427.37

over 3 years service

2

€442.64

over 4 years service

3

€454.31

over 6 years service

5

€498.42

Corporal/Leading seaman

1

€512.07

2

€523.34

3

€534.73

4

€546.05

Sergeant/Petty Officer

1

€561.93

2

€575.57

3

€589.10

4

€602.79

C.Q.M.S./Senior Petty Officer

1

€650.39

2

€667.36

3

€684.26

4

€701.12

Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer

1

€662.53

2

€679.41

3

€696.32

4

€713.21

B.Q.M.S./Senior Chief Petty Officer

1

€720.47

2

€739.85

3

€759.10

4

€778.38

Sergeant-Major/Warrant Officer

1

€739.85

2

€759.10

3

€778.38

4

€797.73

ALLOWANCES — ENLISTED PERSONNEL

W.E.F.

01/01/11

Military Service Allowance — Weekly

Privates with fewer than 3 years’ service

€37.41

Private; Cpl; Sgt;

€103.89

CQMS;Comp. Sgt; Sgt. Maj; BQMS

€110.58

Technician Pay — Weekly

Group 1

€7.27

Group 2

€24.21

Group 3

€36.38

Group 4

€48.54

Group 5

€72.68

Group 6

€121.22

Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces recruited on or after 01/01/2011

Head Chaplain

€61,371

Chaplain in Charge on entry

€52,133

Chaplain in Charge after 10 years

€51,172

Chaplain in Charge after 15 years

€53,190

Substitute Chaplain in Charge

€52,133

Church of Ireland Clergyman

€15,522

Officiating Clergymen

CADETS — FIVE POINT SCALE

RATES OF PAY

Point

01/01/2011

On appointment and during first year of service

1st

€16,599

From commencement of the second year of service until commissioned a Cadet remains on point 2nd of this scale

2nd

€17,109

3rd

€19,582

4th

€22,133

5th

€25,443

OFFICERS PAY RATE 1 — CLASS A PRSI

Rate 1 is paid to all officers other than those at rates 2 & 3 set out below

Point

01/01/2011

RANK (Army/NS)

Second-Lieutenant / Ensign

1st

€28,416

2nd

€29,554

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

1st

€32,365

2nd

€33,503

3rd

€34,756

4th

€35,901

5th

€37,047

6th

€37,702

7th

€38,654

8th

€39,609

Captain/Lieutenant

1st

€40,569

2nd

€41,562

3rd

€42,547

4th

€43,549

5th

€44,541

6th

€45,525

Maximum scale point

7th

€47,680

1st LSI

€49,550

2nd LSI

€51,513

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

1st

€51,565

2nd

€52,663

3rd

€53,749

4th

€54,841

5th

€55,932

Maximum scale point

6th

€59,792

1st LSI

€62,089

2nd LSI

€64,481

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

1st

€63,605

2nd

3rd

€67,061

Maximum scale point

4th

€68,801

1st LSI

€69,800

2nd LSI

€70,801

Colonel/Captain

1st

€72,978

2nd

€77,226

3rd

€81,485

4th

€88,268

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 — CLASS A paid to Officers in the following categories:Engineer Officer, Legal Officer, Army School of Music Officers, Executive Branch & Communications Officer — Naval Service, Psychologists, Military Analyst (Captain)

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2 — CLASS A PRSI

Point

01/01/2011

RATES OF PAY

RANK (Army/NS)

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

1st

€39,180

2nd

€40,416

3rd

€41,764

4th

€43,001

5th

€44,026

6th

€44,938

7th

€45,970

8th

€47,004

Captain/Lieutenant

1st

€48,861

2nd

€49,937

3rd

€51,006

4th

€52,079

5th

€53,152

6th

€54,216

Maximum scale point

7th

€56,544

1st LSI

€58,572

2nd LSI

€60,658

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

1st

€58,598

2nd

€59,181

3rd

€61,135

4th

€63,103

5th

€65,064

Maximum scale point

6th

€69,900

1st LSI

€72,243

2nd LSI

€74,675

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

1st

€74,904

2nd

€76,593

3rd

€78,488

Maximum scale point

4th

€80,294

1st LSI

€81,332

2nd LSI

€82,367

Colonel/Captain

1st

€84,629

(Marine Engineer Superintendent)

2nd

€89,032

€93,436

€100,455

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3 — CLASS A PRSI

MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICERS

Point

01/01/2011

01/01/2011

RATES OF PAY

MEDICAL

DENTAL

RANK

Lieutenant

1st

€36,706

€36,706

2nd

€37,814

€37,814

3rd

€39,024

€39,024

4th

€40,127

€40,127

5th

€41,049

€41,049

6th

€41,864

€41,864

7th

€42,791

€42,791

8th

€43,716

€43,716

Captain

1st

€58,037

€52,872

2nd

€60,225

€55,640

3rd

€61,313

€58,468

4th

€62,394

€59,536

5th

€63,470

€60,579

Maximum scale point

6th

€66,147

€61,024

1st LSI

€67,837

€65,579

2nd LSI

€69,027

€67,023

Commandant

1st

€69,810

€67,784

2nd

€70,992

€69,491

3rd

€72,167

€71,203

4th

€73,628

€72,911

Maximum scale point

5th

€76,078

€74,620

1st LSI

€80,322

€77,081

2nd LSI

€82,634

€82,538

Lieutenant-Colonel

1st

€83,615

€80,972

2nd

€85,435

€82,147

3rd

€87,483

€83,321

Maximum scale point

4th

€89,430

€84,497

1st LSI

€90,545

€85,671

2nd LSI

€91,662

€86,895

Colonel

1st

€92,726

2nd

€97,291

3rd

€101,889

4th

€109,342

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3 — CLASS A PRSI

PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS

Point

01/01/2011

RATES OF PAY

RANK

* Captain

1st

€53,144

2nd

€54,167

3rd

€55,175

4th

€56,201

5th

€57,219

6th

€58,232

Maximum scale point

7th

€60,983

1st LSI

€62,409

2nd LSI

€64,365

Commandant

1st

€61,356

2nd

€62,380

3rd

€63,406

4th

€64,435

5th

€65,459

Maximum scale point

6th

€69,259

1st LSI

€71,478

2nd LSI

€73,788

ALLOWANCES — OFFICERS — CLASS A PRSIi

Military Service Allowance

01/01/2011

OFFICERS PAY RATE 1

Second-Lieutenant/Ensign

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

Captain

€4,257

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

€4,518

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

Colonel/Captain

€4,438

OFFICERS PAY RATE 2

Lieutenant/Sub Lt.

Captain/Lieutenant

Commandant/Lt. Cdr.

€4,595

Lieutenant-Colonel/Cdr.

Colonel/Captain

OFFICERS PAY RATE 3

Lieutenant

Captain

€4,118

Commandant

€4,397

Lieutenant-Colonel

€4,097

Colonel/Captain

€4,565

PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS

Captain

Commandant

€4,595

RATES OF PAY FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES WITH EFFECT FROM 01 JANUARY 2010

Grade

Min Point

Max Point

Grades Covered

Archivist

€30,737.00

€59,604.00

Per annum

BFW / Trade Foreman

€867.08

Per Week

Civilian Clerks

€421.91

€680.61

Per Week

Civilian Pharmacist

€65,500.00

Per Annum

Clerk of Works

€34,353.00

€43,816.00

Per Annum

Communications Officer

€61,895.00

€78,944.00

Per Annum

Cost & Estimating Clerk

€701.10

Per Week

Craftsmen

€667.58

€706.29

Per Week

Craftsmen Chargehand — Consolidated Scale

€707.86

€752.16

Per Week

Estimating Clerk

756.20

Per Week

General Operative Band 1 (Dublin)

€575.23

€637.93

Per Week

Master, Coxswain & Chief Rigger

General Operative Band 1 (Rural)

€593.21

€655.92

Per Week

Master, Coxswain & Chief Rigger

General Operative Band 3 (Dublin)

€507.93

€564.24

Per Week

GO Basic, GO Light Equipment Operator, Wardsmaid, Watchman, Kitchen & Mess Helper, Fomaor, Turncocks Assistants

General Operative Band 3 (Rural)

€524.24

€580.09

Per Week

GO Basic, GO Light Equipment Operator, Wardsmaid, Watchman, Kitchen & Mess Helper, Fomaor, Turncocks Assistants

General Operative Band 2 (Dublin)

€548.80

€608.23

Per Week

GO Plant Operator A, GO Plant Operator B, Maor, Turncock, AB Seaman, AB Seaman Leading Stoker, 3rd Engineer, GO Chargehand,Waiter/Waitress, Chef, Rigger

General Operative Band 2 (Rural)

€565.64

€625.37

Per Week

GO Plant Operator A, GO Plant Operator B, Maor, Turncock, AB Seaman, AB Seaman Leading Stoker, 3rd Engineer, GO Chargehand,Waiter/Waitress, Chef, Rigger

Head of Quantity Surveying Section

€78,938.00

€98,424.00

Per Annum

Inspector / Instructor

€877.72

Per Week

Instructor

€867.08

Per Week

MIF Administration Officer

€756.20

Per Week

Organist

From €115.25to €217.00

Per month

Galway, the Curragh Camp, Limerick, Haulbowline & McKee Barracks.

Pharmaceutical Technician

€33,067.00

€39,181.00

Per Annum

Professional Accountant Grade 1

€65,247.00

€80,814.00

Per Annum

Principal Social Worker

€60,692.00

€74,145.00

Per Annum

Quantity Surveyor Grade 1

€65,247.00

€80,815.00

Per Annum

Senior Archivist

€55,864

€69,132.00

Per Annum

Senior Clerk of Works

€40,480.00

€49,761.00

Per Annum

Senior Inspector/Instructor

€902.27

Per Week

Senior Medical Scientist

€874.24

€1,024.33

Per Week

Senior Staff Nurse (abated)

€45,160.00

Per Annum

Senior Technician

€40,283.00

€49,540.00

Per Annum

Social Worker

€41,013.00

€54,082.00

Per Annum

Storekeeper Clerk Grade 1

€463.70

€645.50

Per Week

Storekeeper Clerk Grade 11

€402.49

€588.12

Per Week

Storekeeper Clerk in Charge

€497.89

€677.91

Per Week

Stores/Office Supervisor

€522.63

€722.77

Per Week

Technician

€453.82

€771.70

Per Week

Technician, Principal

€45,202.00

€54,537.00

Per Annum

Telecommunications Technician

€26,951.00

€52,252.00

Per Annum

Telephonist

€421.91

€680.61

Per Week

Theatre Attendant

€546.87

€589.28

Per Week

Departmental Agencies

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

412 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend the Freedom of Information Act to include Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17590/11]

Since 1 November 2002 Horse Racing Ireland has been included within the scope of The Freedom of Information Act 1997 (section 16). S.I. No. 530 of 2002 refers.

Grant Payments

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

413 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reopen, for new applications, the sheep fencing-mobile handling scheme for new applications. [17012/11]

The Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme, being one of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) introduced by my Department, was suspended for new applications on 8 June 2011 pending the outcome of the comprehensive review of my Department's expenditure which is currently taking place. No decision will therefore be taken on the reopening of TAMS until this review has been completed.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

414 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17047/11]

Statutory powers and duties in relation to food safety, horticulture, forestry and the greyhound industry were delegated to the Minister of State in my Department as set out in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 283 of 2011).

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

415 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding REP scheme 3 payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17066/11]

The closing date for the receipt of 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) applications was Monday 16 May 2011. Section 8.7 of the Terms and Conditions governing the AEOS 2011 provides that persons participating in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are not eligible to join the scheme. As the person named did not complete her REPS 3 contract until 31 May 2011, she is not eligible to join the AEOS scheme in 2011.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

416 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding REP scheme 3 payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17067/11]

The closing date for the receipt of 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) applications was Monday 16 May 2011. Section 8.7 of the Terms and Conditions governing the AEOS 2011 provides that persons participating in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are not eligible to join the scheme. As the person named will not complete his REPS 3 contract until 31 October 2011, he is not eligible to join the AEOS scheme in 2011.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Michael Creed

Ceist:

417 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason an applicant (details supplied) under the early retirement scheme has not had their application approved from the date of their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17127/11]

Payment of the Early Retirement pension can only be made from the date a valid application is received. The person named initially submitted an application in 2008 when the Scheme was closed to new applicants. Following the temporary reopening of the Scheme an application from the person named was accepted on 24 September 2009. My Department was not in a position to approve this application as the scheme conditions were not met. The application was submitted under the provision of the Early Retirement Scheme that envisaged the transferee being set up under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. As that scheme is closed to new applicants, the transferee in this case could not satisfy that requirement.

My Department wrote to the person named on 8th February 2010, offering him the option of resubmitting the application under an alternative provision of the Scheme which involved the holding being enlarged by the transferee. The person named resubmitted a valid application on 6th April 2010 and it is from this date that he is entitled to receive payment.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Ceist:

418 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their forestry premium grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17158/11]

The forestry premium payment for 2011 was paid to the applicant on 20th June 2011.

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

419 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue under the farm improvement scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17182/11]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Payment of the grant will take place when it has been determined that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been complied with. The checks concerned should be completed in the near future.

EU Directives

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

420 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend deadlines to meet obligations set down under Council Directive 1999/74/EC in view of the temporary suspension of applications for targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, pending outcome of expenditure review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17205/11]

The Directive referred to by the Deputy relates to the new EU animal welfare standards for laying hens which are due to come into effect at the beginning of next year. As the Deputy will be aware, it is not within my competence to alter the dates of entry into force of EU Directives. However, I am examining the situation in relation to funding for the projects concerned under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is under way and I will make an announcement on the matter in the near future.

Grant Payments

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

421 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth was refused a full single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17206/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1st of May 2010. This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility inspection. During the course of this inspection discrepancies were uncovered with regard to a number of parcels and their eligibility for the schemes or whether the person named had a right to claim the parcels on his application form.

As a result of this decision the total area claimed of 111.94ha was reduced to 55.55ha. As the number of entitlements held is 109.94 and the difference between the area claimed, and the area found is greater than 20%, no payment was to issue for 2010. The person named was formally notified of this decision on the 16th of March 2011. He was also advised of his right to seek a review of this decision. Such a request was submitted on the 14th April 2011 and a decision, upholding the original findings, was sent to the person named on the 6th of May 2011. He was informed of his right to have the outcome of any the review appealed to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. To date, no such appeal has been lodged.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

422 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17233/11]

The motor travel and subsistence rates paid to me and the Minister of State in my Department are in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines. The rates per kilometre in respect of the use of a private vehicle are as follows:

Official motor travel in a calendar year

Engine capacity up to 1200cc

Engine capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6,437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6,438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

These rates are limited to 96,540 kilometres per year.

The relevant domestic subsistence rate is €72.66 per night and a 10 hour or 5 hour day rate of €33.61 and €13.71 respectively is also payable. Ministers may also claim the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge).

When travelling abroad Ministers may also claim the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax and up to 15% for the service charge plus the Civil Service Class A conference rate increased by 1/3, with the exception of destinations in the US and Canada where it is increased by a ½. The Civil Service conference rate varies depending on the destination, for example the rate for Brussels is €108.50, while the rate for New York is $142.50.

As the Deputy will be aware, a single parliamentary standard allowance is also payable to all Deputies, Senators and Officeholders.

Grant Payments

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

423 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will be paid the €10 per ewe which he is waiting for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/11]

Under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme, farmers were required to:

maintain ewes;

complete the Sheep Census return by 9 April 2010; and

submit the SPS application form by the closing date of 17th May 2010.

While an application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes was received from the person named on 6 May 2010, following validation, it was found that the person named had not submitted the Sheep Census Return by the closing date, as required. Therefore, no payment is due under the Grassland Sheep Scheme to the person named.

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

424 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17300/11]

The person concerned was an applicant under the Dairy Hygiene Scheme and was paid grant-aid in respect of the completed investments in February 2008. I am having the matter raised by the Deputy investigated within my Department and I will be in touch with him again as soon as possible.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

425 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if grassland sheep scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme commenced on 1 February 2011 in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application for the person named in now fully processed with payment due to issue shortly.

Fishing Vessel Licences

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

426 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a boat licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17338/11]

Following on from my reply of 25th May 2011 in relation to this matter, I have again consulted the Registrar General of Fishing Boats, who is the Licensing Authority responsible for the licensing and registration of sea fishing boats and who acts independently in the exercise of his functions. The Registrar General has informed me that he has two pieces of correspondence from the person referred to in your question and has taken account of them in his examination of the matter. The first is a letter dated 7th February 2008 to the Registrar General referring to past contacts with officials in relation to an application that the writer had assisted with in the 1990s. The letter did not provide any information that enabled an application to be traced. The second was submitted to the Registrar General by the vessel owner's solicitor in April 2009. This is a hand-written cover note which is dated 1 October 1999 accompanying a copy of a report of a survey of the boat carried out on 2 September 1999. The letter refers to an application under this scheme having been made "a good number of years ago", but there are no other details that would assist in tracing an application or ongoing correspondence at the time.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 17th February 1995, and the licensing and registration process for each vessel had to be completed by 16th March 2006. Other than those referred to above, no correspondence or other communication with any party has come to light in relation to this matter in the period between the launch of the scheme in March 1994 and September/October 1999, and between September/October 1999 and early 2008, despite extensive searches. The Registrar General further informs me that even if an application had been made before the closing date of February 1995, the licensing and registration process would have had to be completed by March 2006 when the Scheme closed in order for capacity to be awarded under the Scheme.

It is open to the vessel owner to apply to license and register the vessel under current licensing policy.

Grant Payments

John Browne

Ceist:

427 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [17344/11]

The person named submitted two applications to my Department received on 14th May 2010. These applications consisted of one under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and another applying for an allocation of Single Payment Entitlements from the 2010 National Reserve. My Department informed the herd owner by letter of 7th March 2011 that he was being allocated Single Payment Entitlements from the 2010 National Reserve and he was paid in full for the Single Payment Scheme 2010 on 21st March 2011.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

428 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if grassland sheep scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17351/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme commenced on 1 February 2011 in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application for the person named in now fully processed with payment due to issue shortly.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

429 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of the 29 March 2011, the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet been paid their sheep grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17371/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on 14 April 2010. Payments under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme commenced on 1 February 2011 in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application for the person named is now fully processed with payment due to issue shortly.

Croke Park Agreement

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

430 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide each and every non pay savings to be achieved by him in 2011 as referred to at page 11 of the first Progress Report of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17425/11]

My Department submitted its ‘Action Plan' under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement earlier this year. In early May, the Department submitted its first progress report on the implementation of that Action Plan. The report outlines the significant progress made by the Department, which has been engaged in a fundamental process of re-organisation, major reductions in staffing levels and improvement of its business processes, including major changes to the local office network. The report shows a reduction of 173 staff and total administrative savings of nearly €14million (including non-pay savings of over €4.7 million) since the end of March 2010, the reporting period for the Agreement.

Both the Action Plan and the Progress Report are published in full on my Department's website (please see 2011 Publications) and give comprehensive details of both the pay and non-pay savings to be achieved over the period of the Agreement to 2014.

Fisheries Protection

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

431 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the alarming encroachment of gigas oysters (details supplied) on the native oysters in Lough Swilly, County Donegal; his plan to protect the native oysters and the livelihoods of the fishermen who depend on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17457/11]

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is included in Annex IV of Council Regulation (EC) 708/2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture. Article 2(5) of the Regulation specifically exempts those species listed in Annex IV from the provisions of the Regulation, with the exceptions of articles 3 and 4. Article 4 requires Member States to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid adverse effects to biodiversity, and especially to species, habitats and ecosystem functions which may be expected to arise, inter alia, from the spreading of these species into the wild.

The exemption in the Regulation for the Pacific Oyster is that it has been in production for many years and has been moved from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. To assist in determining the future potential risk of widespread proliferation of the Pacific Oysterin Ireland the Marine Institute is funding a research study to document the level of reproductive effort of oysters grown on the seabed compared with the more traditional culture methods for this species . This project is expected to be concluded this year and a full report prepared.

In addition, an "Appropriate Assessment" under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive will be required in relation to Lough Swilly to facilitate the renewal of all aquaculture licences as the Lough has been designated as a ‘Natura' site. The assessment will consider the likely interaction between activities (i.e. fisheries and aquaculture) and conservation objectives as set down by National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The question of the risk posed by the presence of pacific oysters, if any, will also be considered in the appropriate assessment.

Aquaculture Development

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

432 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address a matter (details supplied), with a view to expediting the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17465/11]

The individual referred to by the Deputy applied for an Aquaculture Licence in June 2010. The application, in accordance with standard procedure, was issued to my Department's scientific and technical advisors for comment. A delay has arisen as the area applied for has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and also a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. This comprehensive data collection programme, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications will be dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.

My department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

Milk Quota

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

433 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will grant the appeal lodged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/11]

The Milk Quota Temporary Leasing Scheme allows milk producers to offer for lease through their milk purchaser, on a temporary basis, all or part of their milk quota that they do not expect to use in the current quota year.

If a producer intends to offer 80% or more of their quota to the scheme they must first apply to my Department for a Ministerial Declaration permitting them to do so. Approval for such applications can only be granted in force majeure or other duly justified cases, where production capacity has been temporarily affected.

The person (details supplied), was granted a Ministerial Declaration for the 2010/2011 milk quota year. It was made clear to him at that time that my Department would not be in a position to consider any further applications for a declaration under the same circumstances in the following year. As the circumstances outlined in the current application were the same as those submitted in the 2010/2011 application, the decision to refuse the application on this occasion has been upheld and notification of this decision has issued.

Fisheries Protection

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

434 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide an indicative time for the announcement of quota for boar fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17471/11]

The Boarfish is a small pelagic species of fish which has in recent years become the target of commercial fishing by the Irish fleet. Until 2011 no Total Allowable Catch (TAC) or national quota had been determined.

At the EU Fisheries Council negotiations in 2010 when determining the TAC and Quota for 2011, of critical importance was ensuring that Ireland received a fair share of the Boarfish stock for 2011 and future years. Despite major efforts from certain other Member States for the stock to be shared out equally between five or more Member States, Ireland secured a 67.3% share of this stock for 2011 and future years.

The Irish quota for 2011 is set at 22,227 tonnes which was established on a precautionary basis as the scientific information to inform advice was limited. Data on the stock is currently being compiled to inform scientific advice which will be available later in the year. It is hoped that, based on the scientific advice, the TAC and quota will increase for future years.

I intend to give careful consideration to how this quota will be distributed amongst the Irish fleet for 2011. To this end, I requested proposals from the fishing industry on the matter. I have recently received these proposals and I am giving them careful consideration. I intend to decide arrangements, taking account of the views provided and the technicalities of this fishery, in the near future and in good time for the commencement of the boarfish fishery season.

Grant Payments

James Bannon

Ceist:

435 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is not being paid in full under the agri environment options scheme on a technicality, which disallows them to amend their original application in which a small error was inadvertently made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17547/11]

The person named was approved to participate in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) with effect from 1st September 2010 on the basis of the actions selected and identified by him on his application form. The request submitted on 4 May, 2011, to change the original application cannot be accommodated at this stage as participation in AEOS is a contractual commitment for at least 5 years as set out in the Terms & Conditions of the Scheme and in accordance with the EU rules governing the Scheme.

Animal Welfare

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

436 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacies of current policy, legislation, responsibilities, monitoring and follow up on allegations of horse abuse when the animals are stabled at trainers facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17562/11]

My Department's responsibility, which is set down in legislation, extends to the welfare and protection of farmed animals only i.e. animals normally bred or kept for the production of food or for use in or for the purpose of farming. The relevant legislation in this area is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010, SI 311 of 2010. Animals "used in competitions/shows, cultural or sporting events or activities while so being used" are outside the scope of SI 311 of 2010. My Department must act at all times in accordance with legislation. The principal statutes governing cruelty to all animals, including horses, in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under these Acts.

Poultry Industry

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

437 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the standing orders and regulations governing the export of poultry, chicks and hatching eggs. [17576/11]

The European Directive and Regulations governing the export of poultry, chicks and hatching eggs are as follows:

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and (makes) specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation);

Council Directive 2009/158/EC which lays down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs;

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 617/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks

Statutory Instrument No. 564 of 2010 European Communities (Poultry and Hatching Eggs) Regulations 2010 gives legal effect to these regulations.

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

438 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action or management strategy approved to promote the internal market and the export of poultry, chicks and eggs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17579/11]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the competent authority with responsibility for the agricultural provisions of the Single Market. We implement and manage the relevant suite of legislation agreed at EU level in this area. Much of this legislation is specific to particular sectors and includes Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007, Commission Regulation (EC) No. 617/2008 and Council Directive 2009/158/EC which deal with the operation and functioning of the Single Market and the detailed rules to be applied in the marketing and trade of poultry, chicks and eggs.

Other government departments have responsibility for different topics, including food safety which comes under the aegis of the Department of Health.

The success of the internal market is contingent on the application of horizontal public and animal health standards which require the registration and monitoring of Food Business Operators to ensure that they comply with the relevant regulations. It is critically important for the growth and development of Irish exports in the agri-food sector that Ireland maintains its reputation for the highest standards of quality and food safety and to this end my department, in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, is scrupulous in the application of the various provisions of both domestic and European legislation.

Food Harvest 2020 has targeted a 10% increase in the value of poultry output. Work towards this target will be aided by a number of initiatives which have been taken in the areas of animal welfare, disease surveillance and food safety.

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

439 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a 1% single farm payment penalty in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reconsidered in view of the financial difficulty that this will cause the person and the relatively minor nature of the non compliance issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17606/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 14th of April 2010.

This application was selected for a Cross Compliance/Ground Eligibility inspection.

During the course of the Cross Compliance inspection breaches were recorded relating to a bovine herd register, bovine passport, incomplete flock register and missing sheep dispatch dockets that resulted in an overall Cross Compliance penalty of 1% being recorded in this case.

The person named was informed of this decision and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of a review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. To date, no such review request has been submitted.

Commodities Markets

Michael Creed

Ceist:

440 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiative envisaged at EU level to clamp down on excessive speculation in commodities derivatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/11]

The European Commission has been working on the functioning of commodity and commodity derivatives markets for several years. In the 2009 Communication on a better functioning supply chain, the Commission announced measures to improve oversight and the overall transparency of EU agricultural commodity derivatives. In its Communication of 2 June 2010 on "Regulating Financial Services for Sustainable Growth", the Commission announced that it is preparing a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious set of policy initiatives which will touch upon commodity derivatives markets. As part of this ongoing process, the EU is cooperating with the OECD and the FAO to ensure a global response to a global issue.

The EU is also seeking stronger controls on export bans and trade restrictions as these can lead to supply shortages. In conjunction with the FAO the EU intends to provide more detailed information on agriculture resources and markets. The European Commission will make publicly available its short term forecasts of the main EU agricultural markets covering the current and next marketing years. In addition it will seek to make information with respect to European private stocks more complete.

A sound functioning of agricultural futures markets and their convergence with physical markets for agricultural commodities is of primary importance for the European agricultural sector, to manage risk and hedge positions. Improving transparency of and oversight over agricultural futures markets will benefit farmers, co-operatives and agricultural industries that rely on these reformed markets. Looking ahead, there is a need to revisit this issue within the WTO and to come forward with new draft provisions, which could place more constraint on consistent "net-exporters" of essential commodities like grains (mainly wheat and rice) in the future. Provisions should not only be limited to emergency/humanitarian situations, where broad agreement appears in sight, but also ensure through appropriate criteria that recourse to export bans and restrictions will remain limited to situations of genuine critical foodstuff shortages in the exporting WTO Member.

The Commission will propose changes to the existing framework governing the integrity, efficiency and transparency of financial markets. The review of the Market Abuse Directive will, inter alia, clarify what kind of trading in commodity markets could constitute abuse and ensure that all venues and transactions where abuse may occur are appropriately covered by common EU rules.

Consultancy Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

441 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18169/11]

While procedures are in place for the assessment and central approval by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for tenders for IT services, the provision of all IT services is an operational matter for the each Government Agency. Information concerning these individual contracts is not readily available to my Department.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

442 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18183/11]

Due to the volume of the information requested by the Deputy, it was not possible to provide it in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Credit Availability

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

443 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of any possible sources of loan finance from European sources including the European Investment Bank in respect of small and medium enterprises here wishing to undertake business expansion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18200/11]

The Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation advise that the following is the situation with regard to European sources of loan finance available to SMEs in Ireland:

The European Union provides support to European small and medium-sized enterprisesindifferent formssuch as grants, loans and, in some cases, guarantees. Support is available either directly or through programmes managed at national or regional level, such as the European Union's Structural Funds. SMEs can also benefit from a series of non-financial assistance measures in the form of programmes and business support services.

The European Commission's European Portal for SMEs http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sme/funding_en.htm presents details of the main European programmes available to SMEs and contains brief information as well as the main web sites for each programme. However, the information included on the website, is not exhaustive.

In addition, the Enterprise Europe Network provide information on both national and EU financial supports. The financial instruments mentioned on these sites are managed by the European Investment Fund and implemented via financial intermediaries or specialised funds, to which those interested should refer directly. The main Programmes are referred to below.

Under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) 2007-2013, €1.13 billion has been allocated for financial instruments for the above period. These are organised under three schemes, which are managed on behalf of the European Commission by the European Investment Fund (EIF):

The High Growth and Innovative SME Facility (GIF) aims to increase the supply of equity for innovative SMEs both in their early stages (GIF1) and in the expansion phase (GIF2). GIF shares risk and reward with private equity investors, providing important leverage for the supply of equity to innovative companies.

The SME Guarantee Facility provides additional guarantees to guarantee schemes, in order to increase the supply of debt finance to SMEs. It concentrates on addressing market failures in four areas:

access to loans (or loan substitutes such as leasing) by SMEs with growth potential;

provision of microcredit;

access to equity or quasi-equity;

securitisation.

A Capacity Building Scheme supports the capacity of financial intermediaries in some Member States.

The decision of any eligible Irish undertaking, including financial institutions, to make an application under any particular EU scheme would be a commercial matter for the institution involved. Applications are between the undertaking involved and the relevant EU institution providing support. The Irish Authorities would not necessarily be made aware of individual applications made to EU support schemes which allow for direct applications. In relation to the SME Guarantee Facility, I am aware that one Irish microfinance lender benefits from the scheme.

The EIF's own activities are based on two instruments:

EIF's Venture Capital Instruments consist of capital investments in venture capital funds and business incubators that support SMEs, particularly those that are newly created and technology-oriented.

EIF's guarantee instruments consist of providing guarantees to financial institutions that cover credits to SMEs.

This Programme is managed and the projects selected at national and/or regional level.

JEREMIE is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Investment Fund with the European Investment Bank. It aims to improve access to finance for micro to medium-sized enterprises and in particular the supply of micro-credit, venture capital finance or guarantees and other forms of innovative financing. JEREMIE is managed as an integral part of European Regional Development Fund programmes.

These schemes do not provide direct funding to SMEs, but are usually processed through financial intermediaries such as banks, credit institutions or investment funds. They are intended to increase the volume of credit available to SMEs and to encourage these intermediaries to develop their SME lending capacity .

The European Progress Microfinance Facility was launched in 2010 and is managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) on behalf of the European Commission. Under the European Progress Microfinance Facility, €100 million will be made available, spread over four years from 2010 to 2013, to support employment, the development of micro enterprises and the social economy across all European Union Member States. It aims to increase lending activity to micro-borrowers through a wide range of financial intermediaries such as non-bank micro finance institutions, micro-banks, dedicated microfinance companies or investment funds, local savings banks, smaller cooperative banks, smaller development banks or institutions and selected commercial banks. As such, the EIF will not be providing direct financing to borrowers but will be facilitating lending through a range of financial support mechanisms. These supports will include guarantee instruments and funding of financial intermediaries.

The first support mechanism under the Microfinance Facility involves a micro-loan facility under which EIF will provide a guarantee instrument to financial intermediaries providing micro-loans. Availing of this facility will still require the intermediary to bear some element of the loan risk. Applications can be made to the EIF until 31 December 2013. It is the EIF's responsibility to assess applications for guarantees and requests for financing from intermediaries, to present these requests to competent bodies for approval, to negotiate contracts with intermediaries and to monitor operations. Such applications are made directly to the EIF and do not require any national intervention.

Under EU Cohesion Policy 2007-13, the European Commission has a number of joint initiatives with the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund aimed at improving access to finance using financing engineering instruments. One of these instruments is JASMINE (Joint Action to support microfinance institutions in Europe), a pilot initiative by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. JASMINE seeks to improve access to finance for small businesses and for socially excluded people and ethnic minorities, who want to become self-employed. This initiative, in line with the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, aims to make small loans, or micro-credit, more widely available in Europe

In addition to the above Schemes, the European Investment Bank (EIB) provides support for Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help mitigate the effects of the current credit crisis through a €30 billion facility to provide loans to SMEs through commercial banks. Participation in the facility is, in the first instance, a commercial decision for individual financial institutions, who are responsible for evaluating loan applications submitted by individual SMEs. Irish banks have benefited from the European Investment Banks (EIB) loans for SMEs. In 2009, the EIB made €300m available to Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks and Ulster Bank for onward lending to SMEs carrying out investment projects. This was additional to €50m previously made available to Bank Of Scotland Ireland through its UK parent.

The Irish Enterprise Europe Network services in Ireland are delivered by Enterprise Ireland, together with Chambers of Commerce from Cork, Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Waterford and can be contacted on the following website address:

http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/enterpriseeuropenetworkireland

Any Irish SMEs or financial intermediaries wishing to obtain detailed information on accessing any of the European Funds outlined above or indeed, other European funding initiatives, should contact the Irish Enterprise Europe Network in the first instance.

Departmental Functions

Derek Keating

Ceist:

444 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made in establishing her new Department; if a Secretary General has been appointed; when she will assume full responsibility for child protection, child welfare and the development of youth services nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17171/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established on the 2nd June 2011. A wide range of functions relating to the role of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, including functions relating the development of youth services, have already been transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under a Transfer of Functions Order made under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939. For the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to have full responsibility for child protection and child welfare requires primary legislation which will be effected by way of a proposed amendment to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill which is currently before the Dail, and a further transfer of Functions Order will be effected as soon as possible thereafter to transfer the Child Care Acts to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Interviews have been held to fill the post of Secretary General and the Government will make a decision on this shortly.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

445 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in her Department. [17056/11]

There are no Ministers of State assigned to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Foster Care

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

446 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason guardian payments and fostering payments are different (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17082/11]

The Guardian's Payment is paid to the guardian for the benefit of the child where either both parents are dead or where one of the parents is dead, unknown, has abandoned or has refused or failed to provide for the child and the other parent is unknown, or has abandoned or has refused or failed to provide for the child. The Guardian's payment is administered by the Department of Social Protection and addresses the income maintenance aspect of the child.

The Foster Care Allowance is paid to foster carers, be they relatives or not, where the child has been formally placed into care by the H.S.E. In order to place a child in foster care, the HSE must satisfy itself that the child would not receive adequate care and protection unless he/she was placed in the care of the State. The allowance is paid to the foster carers in recognition of the responsibilities placed on them by the child care plan which is required under the Child Care Regulations 1995 and is not an income or an income support.

Child Care Services

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

447 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the assistance that will be provided in relation to care for children in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17215/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

448 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17243/11]

The rates of motor mileage allowance payable to me in respect of car usage on official travel are set out in the table below.

Rate per Miles

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200 cc

Engine Capacity 1201 cc to 1500 cc

Engine Capacity 1501 cc to 2000 cc

Engine Capacity 2001 cc and over

0 — 4,000 miles

62.94 cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles & over

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

Reduced Motor Travel Rates

Engine Capacity up to 1200 cc

Engine Capacity 1201 cc to 1500 cc

Engine Capacity 1501 cc to 2000 cc

Engine Capacity 2001 cc and over

23.55 cent per mile

26.76 cent per mile

31.36 cent per mile

37.63 cent per mile

The mileage in respect of which the allowance may be paid is limited to 60,000 miles per year.

The rates of subsistence allowance payable in respect of official absences within Ireland are as follows:—

the overnight subsistence allowance is €72.66;

the day subsistence allowance is €33.61 (10 hours or more) or €13.71 (5 hours but less than 10 hours).

The vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge) may also be claimed.

The rates of subsistence allowance payable in respect of official absences abroad are set out in Department of Finance Circular 4/2010, the applicable country conference rate being increased by a half for visits to the USA and Canada and by a third for all other countries. The vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge) may also be claimed.

The Deputy might also note that there are no Ministers of State appointed to my Department.

Proposed Legislation

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

449 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to legislate for the tracing rights of adopted children, particularly those adopted in the 1950, 1960s and 1970s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17353/11]

Legislation to provide for information and tracing is in preparation within my department and is a priority. This is a sensitive and complex area, and it will be necessary for the legislation to balance the constitutional rights of mothers whose children were adopted with those of adopted people seeking to trace their birth families.

Child Care Services

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

450 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she proposes to provide capital grant assistance in 2012 towards the provision of child-care facilities, particularly where demand for such services has already been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17452/11]

I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) which included a capital grant programme to develop childcare facilities.

Under the NCIP capital funding was made available to community and commercial mainstream childcare providers for the development and refurbishment of childcare facilities. You will be aware that, due to the economic downturn, it was necessary for a review of capital expenditure to be undertaken in early 2009. As a result, the previous Government decided to close the programme to new grant applications.

Capital funding continues to be available to my Department in 2011 but this funding is required to meet existing NCIP capital grant commitments. You will be aware also that all programme funding is considered in the context of the annual estimates and budgetary process and it is not possible in advance of these discussions to determine the funding available to my Department in 2012.

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

451 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children under two years of age taken into care in 2010; the reasons they were taken into care, that is, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect; the number taken directly into care from hospital and if she will provide a breakdown of the reasons for same. [17574/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Departmental Funding

Robert Troy

Ceist:

452 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she intends running a scheme this year in which voluntary youth groups may avail of much needed funding. [17607/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that €1.035m has been allocated in my Department's budget in 2011 to provide support to local voluntary youth groups under the Local Voluntary Youth Club Grant Scheme.

This scheme is administered by the relevant Youth Officers in the Vocational Education Committees around the country. Letters will be issuing shortly to the Youth Officers notifying them of their particular allocation for 2011. The Youth Officers will then invite applications from local voluntary youth clubs for this funding. A maximum grant of €3,000 is available to any one group.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

453 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18190/11]

There are four categories of fees payable to chairpersons and directors of Non-Commercial State Agencies. The applicable category is determined by the salary of the CEO of the body relative to certain Civil Service salary scales. In addition, the "one person one salary" principle provides that as a general rule public servants acting as chairpersons or directors of state-sponsored bodies do not receive additional remuneration for undertaking such duties.

With effect from 1st January 2010 the new rates currently are:

Category

Chair

Director

1

€29,888

€14,963

2

€20,520

€11,970

3

€11,970

€7,695

4

€8,978

€5,985

My Department does not routinely record the job titles of each member of staff in the Non Commercial State Agencies. The number of Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff employed in the agencies is collated on a quarterly basis. The most recently available information, which relates to 31st March 2011 is provided in the table below. The proportion of agency funding allocated to payroll is not readily available. However, I have asked the agencies in question to supply this information directly to the Deputy.

Board

Total Number of Members

Remuneration

Staffing level (WTE)

Funding €000

Adoption Authority of Ireland

8

Category 3

27.35

3,500

Childrens Act Advisory Board

10

Category 3

0 (Staff redeployed)

450

*31st May 2011

Regarding the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB), Family Support Agency and the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO), the information requested is being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

454 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18198/11]

A list of health sector grades and the relevant salary scales is contained in the Health Sector Consolidated Salary Scales (January 2010). These Scales are available on the Department of Health website at http://www.dohc.ie/publications/?year=2010.

Regarding the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB), the Family Support Agency, the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO), and the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI), the information requested is being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

455 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17341/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

John Browne

Ceist:

456 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health when a home care claim by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be approved. [17345/11]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Pension Provisions

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

457 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is paying the public service pension levy when they are not in receipt of a public service pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/11]

All employees, including full time and part time employees on the payroll, who are, or are entitled to be members of a public service occupational pension scheme or pension arrangement are subject to the deduction provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.

I can confirm that the levy applies to all employees of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Moore Abbey as this employer is deemed to be a public sector employer for the purposes of the legislation (Sections 1(i), 2(1)(b)(i) and 2(1)(b)(iii) refer).

I understand that the individual referred to opted out of the occupational pension scheme and may be entitled to a non pensionable gratuity, if eligible, on reaching retirement age as provided for under the scheme rules.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

458 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue to approve an application under the nursing home support fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17816/11]

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

496 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application under the nursing homes support, fair deal, scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17232/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 496 together.

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

459 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Personal Assistance Act. [17853/11]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

535 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17582/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 535 together.

The correspondence supplied by the Deputy is seeking his personal views and understanding on independent living for people with disabilities. However, the Government's central policy objective for people with disabilities is that people should be supported "to lead full and independent lives, to participate in work and society and to maximise their potential". In line with this policy, the Government's Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016 contains a commitment to "ensure that the quality of life for people with disabilities is enhanced and that resources allocated reach the people who need them.".

Research, both international and national, confirms that the needs of people with a disability are most appropriately met and provided in their home and community and that this provides a more sustainable model for the provision of care. The Government's commitment to people with disabilities is one whereby the focus of any supports should be based on individual need as much as possible and, while there is no "one size fits all" solution, the focus of supports should favour the individual rather than an organisation or service provider. A review of the efficiency and effectiveness of disability services funded from the Health Vote is currently underway and will be completed later this year. As part of this review an Expert Reference Group was established to review current policy in relation to disability services. Although it is important not to pre-empt any recommendation that may arise out of this process, a key theme emerging is the need for a shift in funding from organisations to individuals. This might or might not involve the transfer of actual funds to the individual. While direct payment may be considered in the future, a shorter term goal would be the transfer to the individual of choice and control over support and care decisions through the mechanism of individualised budgeting.

On 3rd December 2010 the Department published, on its website, a summary of the key proposals emerging from the review of disability policy. It proposes a re-framing of disability services towards a model of individualised supports and the main-streaming of all public services. State funding would be allocated based on an independent assessment of individual needs. Following the needs assessment, individual support plans would be drawn up and individualised budgets allocated from which the supports and services needed would be purchased.

I understand that the Health Service Executive is supporting a direct payments model for two people with a disability in the Cavan Monaghan area. In addition my Department through the Genio Trust is supporting a new innovative initiative for five individuals to manage and direct their personal assistant supports by receiving direct payments to purchase the supports they decide they need. The evaluation of this initiative will inform the implementation of the policy proposals currently being developed.

While the focus is on the shift in funding from organisations to individuals, individualised funding and direct payments are not one and the same. With direct payments the transfer involves the actual direct payment of cash to the service user. With individualised funding, the main transfer of resources to the service user is the transfer of some control over decisions. This might or might not involve the transfer of actual funds to the individual. While there may potentially be some form of direct payment in the future, the more significant change is likely to be the transfer of control and choice. Therefore it is not proposed to introduce a personal assistance act at this stage.

Departmental Functions

Derek Keating

Ceist:

460 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the progress made in establishing a new Department for Children; if a secretary general has been appointed; when will the Minister assume full responsibility for child protection, child welfare and the development of youth services nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17161/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established on the 2nd June 2011. A wide range of functions relating to the role of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, including functions relating the development of youth services, have already been transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under a Transfer of Functions Order made under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939. For the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to have full responsibility for child protection and child welfare requires primary legislation which will be effected by way of a proposed amendment to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill which is currently before the Dáil, and a further transfer of Functions Order will be effected as soon as possible thereafter to transfer the Child Care Acts to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Health Services

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

461 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health the possibility and feasibility of keeping a nursing unit (details supplied) in Newcastle, Galway, open as a public nursing home. [16984/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

462 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 509 of 17 May 2011 and in view of the 4,478 orthopaedic patients awaiting outpatient treatment in Cork University Hospital, the number of patients at present awaiting treatment in other hospitals including the average waiting time and the longest waiting time in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16990/11]

The current situation in relation to the waiting lists for orthopaedic services in Cork University Hospital is totally unacceptable. Patients need a service that is timely and effective.

A key immediate priority is the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which I announced on the 1st of June. The purpose of the SDU is to tackle hospital system inefficiencies and unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system and by streamlining waiting lists. The SDU's priorities will encompass reducing the waiting times for admission from Emergency Departments, reduction in in-patient and out-patient waiting times and improved access to diagnostics.

I have appointed Dr Martin Connor, an international expert, as the Senior Advisor on the SDU. His principal task will be to build up the SDU and to prepare proposals for me on how best it can be placed on a permanent footing within the next six months. The resources of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will be refocused to align with the work of the SDU and, crucially, will allow for a progressive improvement in the performance of the nation's hospitals.

In addition to the SDU, there are a number of encouraging initiatives underway to alleviate this problem. In HSE South, these include:

additional staffing

a physiotherapy initiative

validation of waiting lists

improved management of OPD processes, including reducing missed appointments (DNAs — Did Not Attend) and increasing the numbers of new patients seen at clinics

Additional Consultant Posts

In the HSE South, there are 5 permanent consultant orthopaedic surgeons in post in the trauma and elective service, with 2 locum consultants in the trauma service. There are currently 100 referrals per week. This has increased over the past twelve months, with two new permanent consultants providing revision surgery.

HSE South has approval for three consultant orthopaedic surgeon posts at Cork University Hospital/South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital. These are:

2 orthopaedic surgeons with a special interest in paediatric orthopaedic surgery — new posts

1 orthopaedic general surgeon — a replacement post

Recruitment has been completed and it is anticipated that formal letters of appointment will be issued soon.

Physiotherapy Initiative

Physiotherapist-led clinics were introduced in 2010, to address the waiting list for OPD appointments. The physiotherapists triage patients based on the longest waiters, primarily from the hip and knee lists. 35% of the patients seen at these clinics were referred to an orthopaedic consultant for surgical review. A review of this initiative has been completed, in order to continue to improve patient flows.

Approval for three additional physiotherapists under the Outpatient Programme for Rheumatology and Orthopaedics has been sanctioned. These posts will allow for more musculo-skeletal physiotherapy led clinics. The recruitment process has begun.

HSE National OPD Project:

At national level, an Outpatients Department (OPD) Performance Improvement Group has been established to improve OPD Services throughout the country. The Project aims to address the significant numbers on waiting lists for some specialties. This Project will standardise all aspects of OPD, including waiting lists validation, management of DNAs, improvement in new to return ratios and improved triaging.

Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital have been selected to participate in the initial phase of this project.

Cork University Hospital is undertaking a validation exercise on its OPD waiting lists. This exercise will link in with the National OPD Programme on the validation protocol, particularly for the clinical governance process for removing patients from waiting lists and for GP involvement in the process. It is expected that this exercise will reduce the numbers on the waiting list.

GP Referral Project

Under the reorganisation of acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry, electronic GP referral to acute hospitals is being piloted. This will enable more efficient processing of referrals and allow patients and GPs to see waiting times for individual consultants.

I believe that the implementation of these initiatives will greatly improve waiting list numbers and I will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that these statistics become a thing of the past.

The management of waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question regarding the numbers of patients awaiting orthopaedic treatment to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

463 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16992/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

464 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16993/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

465 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16995/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

466 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17008/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

467 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to reduce the waiting list for orthodontic treatment at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal. [17015/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

468 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure the discontinuation of €3 charge being imposed under the rural transport initiative for patients and elderly persons who attend day training centres. [17016/11]

Transport services for people with a disability are generally provided by voluntary service providers that are funded by the HSE under Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act. However, as a result of the limited public transport service in Co. Donegal, the HSE/North Western Health Board has for many years provided free transport services to day centres, day hospitals and other services.

In the current financial climate, it is not sustainable for the HSE to continue to provide a free transport service in the Donegal area; it is more important that resources focus on continued service delivery. In order to sustain transport services and provide access to HSE services, local HSE Management is working closely with Seirbhís Iompair Tuaithe Teoranta (SITT), MFG and Inishowen Development Partnership — community based not-for-profit rural transport companies.

This approach will help to support a local community group as well as ensuring that the transport services that people need to access services will be there in the future. The scheme has been implemented in the rest of the county and has been very successful. It will be commenced in the Inishowen area during the third quarter of 2011.

Health Services

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

469 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if a policy endorsing a framework for the management of haemochromatosis, HH, will be compiled. [17017/11]

In June 2006, the Report of a Working Group on haemochromatosis was published. It examined the nature and extent of haemochromatosis in Ireland and advised on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by it. The Report makes a series of recommendations relating to the management and treatment of haemochromatosis. The report was circulated to the HSE and other relevant organisations for implementation.

The HSE is currently formulating a programme to ensure that everyone with haemochromatosis will have early access to diagnosis and treatment in every part of the country. This approach will include a programme of awareness among primary and secondary care clinicians including GPs, hospital doctors, nurses in primary, secondary and community care roles, nutritionists and physiotherapists.

It is envisaged that access to quality care will be provided by an integrated programme of community-based and hospital-based diagnostic and regular review services. This will be combined with easy-access community-based phlebotomy clinics in appropriate locations throughout the country. Many people with haemochromatosis are eligible to become blood donors, and many already do so both at regular blood donation clinics and especially at a specific clinic held every week by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. This has been a very successful and welcome development, and it is expected that increased access of donors with haemochromatosis to regular blood donation clinics will form part of the programme.

In addition, a sum of €100,000 was granted to the Irish Haemochromatosis Association, from my Department's National Lottery funding, in December 2010 to support the Association in raising awareness about the condition. The Association, which has around 1,600 members, has an informative website and publishes regular newsletters. With the additional funding it intends to publish and circulate information to GPs, practice nurses and newly diagnosed patients and to create greater awareness of the condition among medical professionals and the general public.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

470 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding support in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [17020/11]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

492 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health the position regarding rehabilitation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17149/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 492 together.

As the Deputies questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Noel Coonan

Ceist:

471 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health the diabetes paediatric services available to children living in north Tipperary and south Offaly; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this service is insufficient to meet the needs of these children; if he will consider developing local services in the constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17036/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

472 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health his views that there is an urgent need for the national re-organisation of services for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in County Limerick and when will the provision of insulin pumps be made available to persons with diabetes in County Limerick. [17043/11]

Dan Neville

Ceist:

473 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health his views that it is unfair and unacceptable that children from the Limerick area have to travel to Dublin to access intensive treatment because the local paediatric diabetes team is under resourced; his further views that the paediatric diabetes service in Dublin has become inundated with referrals, that children with diabetes who should be seen four or five times each year in hospital to help limit damage which high blood sugars can cause to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and smaller blood vessels in adulthood are not seen as often as recommended in view of the fact that the local services have remained under developed and under utilised. [17044/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.

The working group is made up of a multidisciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group. The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multidisciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.

The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

474 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health his views that the recommendation made by Diabetes Action which proposes a re-organisation of diabetes paediatric services in eight networks one of which would serve 280 to 300 children with diabetes in Counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, so that intensive therapies can be accessed locally. [17045/11]

The working group is made up of a multidisciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group. The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multidisciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.

The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

475 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17049/11]

Ministers of State appointed at my Department are as follows:- Ms Róisín Shortall, T.D. has responsibility in relation to Primary Care and the National Drugs Strategy.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

476 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if funding is in place for all nursing homes in County Kerry for next three years. [17068/11]

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

477 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if contracts have been signed in relation to Dingle Community Hospital and if funding is ring fenced for the next three years. [17071/11]

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

478 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if contracts have been signed in relation to Valentia Community Hospital and if funding is ring fenced for the next three years. [17072/11]

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

479 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if contracts have been signed in relation to Caherciveen Community Hospital and if funding is ring fenced for the next three years. [17073/11]

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

480 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if contracts have been signed in relation to Kenmare Community Hospital, County Kerry and if funding is ring fenced for the next three years. [17074/11]

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

481 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if contacts have been signed in relation to the nursing home support scheme with a nursing home (details supplied) in County Kerry and if funding is ring fenced for the next three years. [17075/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 to 481, inclusive, together.

The introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in October 2009 brought about a fundamental change in the way in which long-term nursing home care is funded and, consequently, the way in which nursing homes and community hospitals are funded. In the past, public and voluntary nursing homes would have been allocated a lump sum annually. In contrast, the new scheme supports the individuals in need of long-term residential care, not the facilities providing the care. This means that funding follows the patients and ensures that these facilities are not being funded for empty beds.

The legislation underpinning the scheme encompasses a principle of patient choice. Once an individual has received financial approval for the scheme, s/he can choose any nursing home that is participating in the scheme in any part of the country, subject to the nursing home having an available bed and being able to meet their particular care needs. This applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes alike. Finally, the scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Nursing homes and community hospitals can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. day care, respite and convalescence.

Medical Cards

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

482 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been refused a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17085/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

General Practitioner Services

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

483 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the out of hours general practitioner service provided in the east Cork area; the number of doctors on call; if there are plans to reduce this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17092/11]

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

484 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the number of cars and drivers available to the South Doc GP out of hours service covering the areas of Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Mallow and Fermoy; if there are plans to reduce this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

485 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card appeal and mobility allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [17099/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

486 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a general medical services card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [17100/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

487 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if the moratorium on recruitment in mental health services in County Roscommon will be lifted to avoid a crisis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 40% of staff employed in mental health services in County Roscommon have retired; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that extra staff could be employed for the cost of paying regular overtime to the skeleton staff employed in the services; when will a national recruitment scheme be advertised for psychiatric nurses; and if a suicide prevention nurse will be appointed in Roscommon County Hospital to deal with the suicide issue. [17101/11]

The Employment Control Framework 2011-2014 for the health sector gives effect to Government priorities on employment policy in the public sector and provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2014. The Framework is designed to maintain tight control on the cost of providing public services while protecting front-line services as far as possible. It is necessary to ensure that there is sustainability in the cost of providing public services relative to the Government's revenue.

The Framework allows for the targeted growth of certain grades which are exempt from the moratorium on recruitment (including Medical Consultants, Physiotherapists and Social Workers) in order to deliver on key priority services. It also provides for the filling of non-exempted posts on exceptional grounds in order to maintain essential services and to meet priority service change/reorganisation requirements.

In recognition of the significant number of psychiatric nurses who have retired in recent times, the 2010 Employment Control Framework for the health service provided an exemption from the moratorium and allowed the filling of 100 psychiatric nursing posts. The more recent 2011 Framework again provides an exemption from the moratorium in respect of 100 psychiatric nursing posts where they are required to support the implementation of A Vision for Change. The 2011 exemption allows these posts to be filled by nurses and/or other disciplines in community mental health teams. The allocation of these posts to particular service locations / geographical areas is being identified by the HSE National Care Group Lead for Mental Health in consultation with my Department.

It is not necessary to advertise a recruitment scheme for psychiatric nurses at this time as the HSE has advised that it already has panels of appropriately qualified nurses in place.

The issue of the appointment of a suicide prevention nurse in Roscommon County Hospital is an operational matter for the HSE in respect of which I have asked them to reply to you directly.

Health Services

Niall Collins

Ceist:

488 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if additional assistance will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [17105/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

489 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a primary care centre in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. [17106/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

490 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the strategy he is developing to deal with the paediatric diabetes services in Dublin in view of the fact that this service has become inundated with referrals from all over the country; and his plans to alleviate the problem by allocating resources to local services. [17117/11]

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes — is established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. This programme has a Clinical Lead appointed through the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). The working group is made up of a multi-disciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group.

The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multi-disciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.

The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

491 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he is monitoring the replacement of approximately 1,700 faulty hip implants that were made by a company (details supplied); if he has statistics on the number of implants that have been replaced so far; the total cost to the taxpayer thus far of this recall; if the company has met all the reasonable costs of surgery and expenses of patients as promised by the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17121/11]

The DePuy ASR hip Recall commenced in late August 2010. Revisions are scheduled based on assessment of clinical need. To date, a total of 113 revisions have taken place — 35 in HSE and HSE funded hospitals, and 78 in private hospitals. A further eight revision surgeries are scheduled in the coming weeks and months.

DePuy has indicated that it will cover all reasonable and customary costs associated with the recall. A process for reimbursement of all related costs has been agreed between De Puy, the HSE and private hospitals to cover costs incurred in the recall, including costs incurred in the implementation of the recall and patients' out of pocket expenses. The HSE is working to ensure that the recall will be cost-neutral to the taxpayer.

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 470.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

493 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [17172/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Ceist:

494 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the position regarding diabetic services for children and adolescents living in Galway East; if a re-organisation of these services is proposed and will be available locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17207/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

495 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the date on which the medical card application processing will cease at the Health Service Executive office in Tralee, County Kerry, and be transferred to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17214/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 496 answered with Question No. 458.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

497 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of her private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and her Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17236/11]

The rates of mileage and subsistence payable to Ministers and Ministers of State are approved by the Department of Finance. All the rates set out below are those payable to me and to Ministers of State at my Department.

The current rates of motor mileage allowance payable in respect of the use of our cars on official travel are set out in the tables below.

Rates per Mile

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0 — 4,000 miles

62.94 cent

74.42 cent

95.05 cent

114.06 cent

4,001 miles & over

34.13 cent

38.00 cent

45.79 cent

54.95 cent

Reduced Motor Travel Rates

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

23.55 cent per mile

26.76 cent per mile

31.36 cent per mile

37.63 cent per mile

The mileage in respect of which the allowance may be paid is limited to 60,000 miles per year.

The rates of subsistence allowance payable in respect of official absences within Ireland are as follows:—

the overnight subsistence allowance is €72.66 (i.e. half the Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third);

the day subsistence allowance is €33.61 (10 hours or more) or €13.71 (5 hours but less than 10 hours).

The vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge) may also be claimed.

The rates of subsistence allowance payable in respect of official absences abroad are set out in Department of Finance Circular 4/2010, the applicable country conference rate being increased by a half for visits to the USA and Canada and by a third for all other countries. The subsistence rate is payable in conjunction with the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax, where payable, and up to 15% service charge.

Assisted Human Reproduction

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

498 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the situation regarding the provision and financing of IVF and other fertility services by him and agencies under his remit; if all such services are provided free by the Health Service Executive or his Department but that such services are denied to members of the VHI with possible exception of the most expensive plans; if he will examine this inequity in the provision of health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17295/11]

IVF treatment is not provided or funded by the public health system. Patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers'. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drug Payment Scheme.

Hospitals Building Programme

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

499 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the plans for the proposed Mater site for the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin was to include a helipad on its roof; if for logistical reasons it will not be now possible to land a helicopter at the new site; and are the project proposers now looking at an alternative site near the Mater at which children and patients will have to be driven and transferred by ambulance to the site of the proposed emergency unit. [17308/11]

The project brief for the National Children's Hospital includes a requirement for the provision of helicopter facilities.

The Report of the independent review of the location of the National Children's Hospital, announced by me on the 12th of May 2011, is expected shortly. When the expert report is received I will carefully consider the next steps in building the national children's hospital.

I do not intend to comment on any aspect of the project until the Report and expert recommendation have been received. This is an independent Review and I would not wish to influence them in the deliberations.

Health Services

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

500 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will postpone the decision to withdraw the locum service at Doneraile Medical Centre, County Cork, for a period of six months. [17324/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

501 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be prioritised for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17354/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Treatment Abroad

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

502 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding treatment abroad in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [17357/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

503 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the organisation of ambulance services in the Cork City and county area including the number of ambulances, drivers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians delivering the service; if he will provide the breakdown of full and on-call ambulance stations and the staffing of same. [17368/11]

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

504 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding working hours of drivers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians delivering the ambulance service in the Cork City and county area; if he will provide a breakdown of hours worked per week and the number of staff working 16 hour shifts. [17369/11]

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

505 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health his plans to replace ambulance vehicles with first responder cars in the Cork City and county area. [17370/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 to 505, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Expenditure

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

506 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide each and every saving achieved by the Health Service Executive as referred to at page 11 of the First Progress of the public Service Agreement 2010-2014 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17428/11]

I understand that the Deputy's question refers to a table contained in the first progress report of the Implementation Body on the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Table 2, Sustainable Pay Savings). I have been informed that the Implementation Body calculated the payroll savings by using an average annualised saving per employee, arising from the overall reduction in numbers in the public sector (5,349 staff), during the review period of March 2010 to March 2011. This was to take account of the fact that employee number reductions arose at different times during the year. This figure includes savings due to numbers reductions and other reductions in the cost of the public service pay bill (e.g. in overtime, allowances etc).

In relation to the health sector, a detailed breakdown of the employee numbers reduction, by grade category, is set out in tabular format below. This table was provided to the Implementation Body, as part of the Health Sector progress report on implementation of the Health Sector Action Plan and savings under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, for the period March 2010 to March 2011. The full text of the Health Sector progress report is available on my Department's website (www.dohc.ie).

Category

31/03/2010

31/03/2011

Change Q1 2010 toQ1 2011

% reduction

General Support Staff

11,775

10,864

-911

-7.7%

Health & Social Care Professionals

16,049

16,295

246

1.5%

Management/ Admin

17,559

16,256

-1,303

-7.4%

Medical/ Dental

8,042

8,005

-38

-0.5%

Nursing

37,794

36,782

-1,012

-2.7%

Other Patient & Client Care

18,623

17,463

-1,161

-6.2%

Overall

109,844

105,664

-4,179

-3.8%

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

507 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Service Expenditure

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

508 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the moneys and resources in the letters of allocation, to the Health Service Executive, the ISAs and former local health offices in relation to traveller health development from 1998 to 2011; the cost centres the moneys were allocated to in the HSE, ISAs and former local health offices; the name of the cost centre; if the moneys were used year on year; the amount currently allocated to traveller health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17451/11]

The detail sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

509 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when will the review of orthopaedic services at St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital Cork be completed; when the findings will be published; if the opinion publicly expressed by him prior to the general election that there would be no downgrading of services at St Mary’s prevail regardless of the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17456/11]

I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular, I want to ensure that services are provided safely and in the setting most appropriate to patients' needs.

I have made it clear previously that I intended to consider the current provision of orthopaedic services in St Mary's fully before any move went ahead. I also had to take into account the unprecedented economic and financial situation the country is facing and the requirement to reduce public spending in line with the EU/IMF programme. In order to fully consider the issues involved in the proposed changes to the delivery of regional orthopaedic services in Cork and Kerry, I have recently held discussions with the Health Service Executive, including senior clinicians, and with local representatives.

I have now reflected and considered the matter and it is my view that, on balance, the move of orthopaedic services should go ahead as planned. The relocation of services to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital will provide a range of improvements in the facilities for, and the efficiency of, elective surgery for the people of Cork and Kerry, including the recommencement of paediatric orthopaedic services in Cork and an increased level of elective surgery.

I have also made it clear that health services should continue to be provided at the St Mary's campus, including the planned Urgent Care Centre and outpatient services linked to the Mercy University Hospital along with other services. There is also potential, in line with my determination to develop primary care services, for a primary care centre, which I have asked the HSE to examine. This could provide much needed services to the area, which is one of particular social disadvantage. However I am making no commitment in this respect and I would want to be assured of the position of the relevant General Practitioners before taking any further action.

It is essential that there be a full engagement with the staff of St Mary's in relation to their relocation and also to address any clinical or other concerns that they have. I have asked the HSE South to begin this process immediately.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

510 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the reasoning behind the decision to stop maternity hospitals facilitating mothers who wish to have their cord blood stem cell procured for future possible use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17463/11]

Cord blood is a source of stem cells, which have proven therapeutic benefit for a number of conditions, principally the treatment of blood conditions. Stem cells may also be obtained from bone marrow. It is important to note that many potential benefits of stem cells are at very early investigative stages and will require substantiation through clinical trials.

Ireland does not currently have a public cord blood bank. At present, when clinically indicated by a consultant overseeing care, collection of cord blood for donation to an identified family member in high risk families is facilitated by HSE hospitals in collaboration with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. In addition, where an identified clinical need arises, Ireland has access to cord blood stem cells through international stem cell banks and registries and this is also arranged by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Collection of cord blood for private use in low risk families is not provided publicly in Ireland. While recognising that science in this area is evolving, the HSE sought and considered expert professional clinical opinion as well as legal advice in relation to this matter. As a result, it has determined that staff at hospitals operated or funded by the HSE should not undertake the procurement of cord blood for commercial entities. The HSE must ensure that evidence-based, safe, effective and high quality care is provided to patients and their families. In addition, the contracting of staff employed at hospitals operated or funded by the HSE, to undertake the collection of cord blood on behalf of commercial companies, was outside the cover provided under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme.

Any hospital wishing to accommodate staff directly employed by third party commercial entities to undertake the procurement of cord blood at hospitals operated or funded by the HSE must therefore ensure that all appropriate arrangements are in place within the context of a robust clinical governance framework to control risks associated with the service. A contract, or service level agreement, should be in place between the third party commercial entity and the hospital concerned. Policies, procedures and guidelines are required to govern how the service is provided. Hospitals and their maternity service teams face significant challenges in ensuring a robust clinical governance framework to support a safe and high quality maternity care system. My Department will keep the emergence of clinical benefits of cord blood banking under constant review. While the HSE's primary objective is to ensure that there is a safe and high quality maternity service it should correct this anomaly that has not allowed the banking of cord blood cells in cases where patients are anxious for this to happen and are prepared to fund the cost so that no additional cost is borne by the hospital.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

511 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way a person will contact the special delivery unit if they have been waiting more than three months for an in-patient procedure; if he will guarantee that this new unit will deal as quickly and as effectively as the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17464/11]

I announced the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) on 1 June. This has been one of my key priorities since becoming Minister for Health. The SDU is a key part of the Government's plans to radically reform the health system in Ireland, with the ultimate goal of introducing a system of Universal Health Insurance (UHI).

I have appointed Dr. Martin Connor as the Special Advisor on the SDU. Dr. Connor is an international expert, with a proven track record in health service transformation. He has extensive experience in the NHS and led a similar initiative in Northern Ireland with considerable success. His principal task will be to build up the SDU and to prepare proposals for me on how best it can be placed on a permanent footing within the next six months. I will be meeting Dr Connor this week to review his progress to date.

The SDU will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU will work closely with the HSE, building on initiatives already underway including the clinical programmes.

The SDU's priorities will encompass:

Emergency Departments — waiting times for admission have been unacceptably high in a number of hospitals, often breaching the current 6-hour maximum waiting time target.

In-patient waiting times — the trend has been upwards recently, despite the work of the NTPF.

Out-patient waiting times — the time from GP referral to an appointment with a consultant is unacceptably long in many specialties.

Access to diagnostics — this forms an essential part of the patient journey for all of the areas of access above.

Its success will allow for an alteration in the current role of the NTPF. Its resources will be re-focused to align closely with the work of the SDU, and crucially will allow for a progressive improvement in the performance of the nation's hospitals. For the moment the NTPF will continue to operate as normal, accepting applications from persons who have been waiting for over three months for treatment. An immediate priority for the SDU will be to ensure that waiting lists for inpatient services are managed properly and that hospitals take responsibility for managing patient flows. I cannot accept a position where some hospitals allow small numbers of patients to wait more than a year for their procedures. The NTPF has welcomed the new initiative and has confirmed it will work proactively with the Unit to achieve the best possible result for patients.

Health Service Staff

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

512 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a matter of overdue payments in respect of staff (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17470/11]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Eamonn Maloney

Ceist:

513 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date and the timetable for the transfer of the Coombe Maternity Hospital to the campus of Tallaght Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17496/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Mental Health Services

Dan Neville

Ceist:

514 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents admitted to adult in-patient psychiatric units in 2009 and 2010. [17498/11]

In 2009205 children and adolescents were admitted to adult psychiatric units. In 2010 the corresponding figure was 155.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

515 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the number of the 99 promised child and adolescent community mental health teams that have been delivered to date. [17499/11]

There are currently 61 child and adolescent mental health teams nationally, with further teams to be developed in line with the recommendation of ‘A Vision for Change’. Of these 61 teams, 56 are community based, 2 are Day Hospital teams and 3 are Hospital Liaison teams.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

516 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents on waiting lists for mental health services in May 2009 and May 2010. [17500/11]

Since September 2009, information regarding waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services has been received by my Department from the HSE on a quarterly basis. The information for May 2009 is not therefore available to me; however in September 2009 there were 2,617 children and adolescents on the waiting list and the corresponding figure for September 2010 was 2,441.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

517 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the mental health budget spent on children’s mental health services in 2009 and 2010. [17501/11]

The HSE provides a range of services across primary care, specialist child and adolescent mental health services, health promotion and suicide prevention services which support young people's mental health. As the HSE's financial accountability structure is across HSE areas and hospitals and not by care group, it is not possible to identify a specific figure for services which support young people's mental health.

Hospital Services

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

518 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the ongoing delay in the provision of an appointment for an urgent MRI scan at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; when he expects the required appointment to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17507/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

519 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the three year delay in receiving surgery in Tallaght Hospital, County Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; when this much needed surgery will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17515/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

520 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17517/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

521 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17519/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

522 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the financial assistance available to the carer of a person with a mental disability who provides transport for that person on an ongoing basis; if he accepts that the provision of private transport is essential for those suffering from a mental disability as public transport is not an option for various reasons such as safety and availability and that this provision by the carer adds a financial burden to them which is causing severe hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/11]

Government policy, through the National Disability Strategy, aims to improve access to mainstream public services, including transport, for people with a disability. The Strategy is a programme of action to support and reinforce equal participation in society by people with a disability. This equal participation will be brought about by integration in the mainstream wherever possible, and minimum segregation. The successful achievement of mainstreaming will be when people with a disability are supported to access all the services and supports available to their peers.

There are a number of public service supports in place for people with a disability in respect of their transport and mobility needs, including

Tax concessions: remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax (VRT), repayment of value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of a vehicle and repayment of VAT on the cost of adapting a vehicle; repayment of excise duty on fuel used in a vehicle for the transport of a disabled person, up to a maximum of 2728 litres per year. In addition, people who qualify under the scheme may be exempt from the payment of annual road tax on application to their local Motor Tax Office.

the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant

free public transport for people with disabilities and a companion through the Department of Social Protection

improved accessibility of public transport

Rural Transport Programme and

transport provided by specialist disability service providers and charities.

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Ceist:

523 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an operation will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17527/11]

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Ceist:

524 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the financial support available to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

525 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the financial assistance or services available to persons (details supplied) County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17532/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Ceist:

526 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be approved in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [17533/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

James Bannon

Ceist:

527 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford who was told in January of this year that they would be called in March or April for an essential medical procedure has heard nothing since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

528 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health with respect to the proposal to create one central office for the processing of medical cards as of 1 July 2011, if he will confirm the number of staff to be employed in the central office; his views on whether this number will be sufficient to process all cases in the promised 15 days in view of the current backlog; the position regarding the 45 persons in the Health Service Executive West who were successful in overturning their compulsory redeployment to the central office in Dublin; if he will clarify the position regarding those currently processing medical cards and employed in regional offices in the Health Service Executive Western Area; the current backlog in months for the processing of such cases in Limerick and Clonmel; if he has received a commitment that the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in the central office will take over the work of offices with a severe backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17548/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Derek Keating

Ceist:

529 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the salaries that are paid to chief executive officers of all hospitals both voluntary and those funded by the Health Service Executive; the annual leave, expenses or other conditions of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17553/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. Therefore, my Department has asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information and I will respond to the Deputy's enquiry as soon as this becomes available.

Ambulance Service

Derek Keating

Ceist:

530 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the protocol that is currently practised regarding the ambulance service both fire brigade and Health Service Executive who provide an excellent service in Lucan, Clondalkin and Palmerstown area of Dublin in view of the fact that this protocol instructs ambulance drivers to take all patients to Blanchardstown Hospital accident and emergency when many of them already have a medical relationship with St James’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17554/11]

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Pharmacy Regulations

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

531 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views and plans on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17555/11]

My colleague, the Minister for Health, has signed the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2011. These regulations reduce certain payments made by the HSE to community pharmacy contractors with effect from 20 June 2011. The reductions are as follows:

Reduction in wholesale mark-up on drug items from 10% to 8%

Reduction in wholesale mark-up on controlled drugs from 17.66% to 8%

Reduction in wholesale mark-up on fridge items from 17.66% to 12%

Reduction in retail mark-up on non-drug items from 50% to 20%

Reduction in High Tech non-dispensing fee from €62.03 to €31.02

Reduction in allowance on Stock-Orders from 25% to 20%

Medical Cards

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

532 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to have their teeth cleaned once a year under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17564/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services

Derek Keating

Ceist:

533 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to assist a person (details supplied). [17572/11]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Derek Keating

Ceist:

534 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement to a young chronic sick unit patients under 60 years here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a fully furnished and ideal facility for such a service is available (details supplied) and the steps he will take with the Health Service Executive to utilise this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17573/11]

As the questions relate to the provision of services I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 459.

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

536 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to bring a formal proposal for a primary care centre (details supplied) in County Cork to the Health Service Executive board for approval. [17586/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

537 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the person to whom applications are made for career breaks, reduced working hours, reduced working year and short-term leave within the Health Service Executive for those employees in full-time, part-time and job-sharing role; the number of applications that were made in respect of the above in 2010; the number of those applications which were declined and approved in 2010; the process by which the applications for career breaks, reduced working hours, reduced working years and short-term leave are assessed within the HSE; the consideration being given to these applications being made to a central office within the HSE; the potential savings that could have been accrued in 2010 in respect of the above; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

General Medical Services Scheme

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

538 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health with regard to medical cards and the way doctors and patients are assigned to each other, his plans to de-regulate or change the present system; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17610/11]

There are currently almost 2,300 GPs contracted by the HSE under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme to provide services to medical card and GP visit card patients. Under this Scheme patients can select a GP in their locality who is on the HSE's list of GMS GPs. If a medical card or GP visit card holder is unsuccessful in being accepted on to a GP's patient list, the HSE can assign the eligible patient to a GMS GP in the locality.

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support provides for the introduction of legislation to remove restrictions on GPs wishing to treat public patients under the GMS Scheme. My colleague, the Minister for Health, will bring a Memorandum to Government this week on proposals for legislation to set the terms of access for suitably qualified GPs to GMS contracts. This proposed legislation will result in medical card and GP visit card patients having a greater choice of GPs under the GMS Scheme. It will also help to ensure that private patients of new GP contract holders, who qualify for a medical card or GP visit card, will not have to change their GP. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future as to how this will be implemented.

Departmental Reports

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

539 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the remit of the independent research report into the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. [17665/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

540 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the period of time allowed to complete the independent research report into symphisiotomy. [17666/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

541 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the independent researcher will consult in preparing the report into symphisiotomy; and will victims of symphysiotomy be consulted. [17667/11]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

542 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if following the completion of the Independent research report if he will consider the holding of a public inquiry into the practice of symphysiotomy. [17668/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 to 542, inclusive, together.

The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has commissioned an independent research report into the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The aim of the report will be to provide an accurate picture of the extent of use of symphysiotomy in Ireland, and an examination of the Irish practice relative to other countries. It will include an assessment of the circumstances in which the procedure was carried out, what protocols or guidance existed at the time to guide professional practice, and details of when the practice changed and why.

It is my intention that the academic researcher will carry out this work on an objective and independent basis. Following receipt of this report, which is due to be received in September 2011, my Department will further engage with patient representative groups. I will then quickly decide on the next steps required to address this situation.

Accident and Emergency Services

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

543 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the provisions he is putting place to ensure that accident and emergency services at Naas Hospital, County Kildare, will continue and be fully staffed following the 11 July. [17671/11]

Although the HSE has not indicated to me any specific difficulties with regard to Naas General Hospital, I am very conscious of concerns in relation to some hospitals in advance of the next rotation of Non-Consultant Hospitals Doctors (NCHDs). The shortage of suitable NCHDs is an issue worldwide. The HSE has taken a range of actions to address NCHD vacancies to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimized and patient safety maintained.

I am in ongoing discussions with the HSE and various stakeholders in order to identify a solution to the recruitment of NCHD's nationwide. I will have greater clarity on this issue in the next few weeks. In addition, my Department is at an advanced stage of drafting a Bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007, facilitating the Medical Council to register doctors in supervised posts for a defined period.

I can assure you that the necessary steps are being taken in order to ensure ongoing safe delivery of service in hospitals and in Emergency Departments in particular.

Departmental Agencies

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

544 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18172/11]

The information in respect of my Department is set out in the following table, showing the current spend to date, inclusive of VAT, in relation to direct contracts with the vendors and awarded in 2010 and 2011. No sub contractual arrangements were entered into by my Department as a condition of these arrangements.

Vendor

Contract Description

Cost to Date

Bluewave

On-going technical support, maintenance, administration and development, advice and end user assistance for in-house Lotus Domino Databases.

€119,245

Tomorrows World

Provision of desktop management and hardware maintenance service.

€103,786

Trilogy

Provision of maintenance and support for Windows, File & Print, Active Directory, Backup Infrastructure, onsite network and remote network support.

€7,559

The requested details in relation to the agencies under my Department's aegis are not readily available as it is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. I am referring the Deputy's question to the relevant agencies including the Health Service Executive for its attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

545 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18178/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs was established on 2nd June and has not issued any contracts outsourcing IT services. Contracts issued by bodies under the aegis of the Department are a matter for those agencies, and I will request that they reply directly to the Deputy.

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

546 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18186/11]

There are four categories of fees payable to chairpersons and directors of Non-Commercial State Agencies. The applicable category is determined by the salary of the CEO of the body relative to certain Civil Service salary scales. In addition, the "one person one salary" principle provides that as a general rule public servants acting as chairpersons or directors of state-sponsored bodies do not receive additional remuneration for undertaking such duties.

With effect from 1st January 2010 the new rates currently are:

Category

Chair

Director

1

€29,888

€14,963

2

€20,520

€11,970

3

€11,970

€7,695

4

€8,978

€5,985

My Department does not routinely record the job titles of each member of staff in the Non Commercial State Agencies. The number of Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff employed in the agencies is collated on a quarterly basis. The most recently available information, which relates to 31st March 2011 is provided in the table below. The proportion of agency funding allocated to payroll is not readily available. However, I have asked the agencies in question to supply this information directly to the Deputy.

Board

Total Number of Members

Remuneration

Staffing level (WTE)

Funding €000

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

10

Category 3

77.54

16,556

Health Service Executive

11

Category 1

105,410*

13,794,487

Health Information and Quality Authority

12

Category 2

150.7

11,700

Health Insurance Authority

4

Category 4

8.58

Self funded

Health Research Board

10

Category 3

71.5

32,271

Irish Blood Transfusion Service

12

Category 3

547.91

Self funded

Medical Council

24

Category 3

52.5

Self funded

Irish Medicines Board

9

N\A

259.93

3,250

Mental Health Commission

13

Category 3

38.72

15,000

National Cancer Registry

7

N\A

52.4

2,826

National Cancer Screening Services Board

Dissolved and subsumed into HSE 1st April 2010

National Council on Ageing and Older People

Dissolved and subsumed into Department of Health 1st September 2009

National Treatment Purchase Fund

8

Category 3

46.6

85,587

Office of Tobacco Control

Dissolved and subsumed into HSE 1st January 2011

Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board

Dissolved and subsumed into HSE 1st January 2009

VHI

12

N\A

931.65

Commercial State Agency

Women’s Health Council

Dissolved and subsumed into Department of Health 1st October 2009

*31st May 2011

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

547 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will list each of the primary grades within the following public sectors (details supplied); the grades within primary grades for example engineer grade 1, grade 2 grade 3; the corresponding pay for each primary grade and also each grade within a grade as explained. [18197/11]

These Scales are available on my Department's website at http://www.dohc.ie/publications/?year=2010.

Road Safety

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

548 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a checklist for the public to pre-ascertain the roadworthiness of their vehicle in advance of scheduled national car test; if his attention has been drawn to the growing public concern regarding the NCT testing process with more persons highlighting NCT failures that do not stand-up when re-referred to the vehicles service garage or mechanic in preparation for second presentation to the NCT process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17095/11]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test.

The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is carried out by Applus+, since January 2010, under a contractual arrangement with the RSA. Award of the contract for carrying out the NCT and the criteria applying thereto is a matter for the RSA.

The NCT Contractor provides a leaflet to customers containing advice on preparing for the NCT. This leaflet and the five most common causes for failure in the previous year are available on the NCT website www.ncts.ie The NCT Manual which sets out full details of the test requirements is available to download from the NCTS website or at www.rsa.ie

In 2010 less than 0.1% of tests received a complaint and customer service surveys undertaken this year shows that over 83% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the service.

A person who is of the view that they were incorrectly refused an NCT certificate has the right to appeal the decision. The NCT grievance process consists of 3 stages; through the NCTS internal appeals process, through the independent appeals procedure operated by the Automobile Association (AA) and lastly by appeal to the District Court. In 2010 the independent appeals board received 21 appeals in relation to the test outcome of the 893,000 tests that were completed by NCTS. Seventeen of these appeals were rejected with 4 being upheld.

Should the Deputy have information or concern regarding vehicles that failed the NCT, details of the vehicles, including registration numbers, should be forwarded to the RSA which will arrange to have the issues investigated.

Departmental Functions

Derek Keating

Ceist:

549 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give consideration to hosting a State reception for Rory McIlroy and his family on his return from the United States to mark the tremendous success that he has brought to this country with his sporting achievements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17170/11]

The Deputy will be pleased to hear that senior Departmental officials have been in contact with Mr McIlroy to see if a reception could be arranged.

Taxi Regulations

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

550 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the review of the taxi industry. [17007/11]

Earlier this month I set out the terms of reference for the taxi regulation review in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector and will allow for consultation with all the stakeholders, including the taxi industry and consumers.

On Friday last, I made a further announcement concerning the membership of the review Steering Group and I invited submissions to be made on the review.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

551 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific roles and responsibilities of the Ministers of State in his Department. [17059/11]

The Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977 sets out the statutory framework within which powers are delegated to Ministers of State. Under the relevant legislation, the powers of Ministers of State are subject to the superintendence of a Minister of Government and can be revoked at any time.

The following extracts are particularly relevant:

(d) every statutory power and duty delegated by the delegation shall be exercisable and performed by such Minister of State in his own name but subject to the general superintendence and control of the Minister of the Government on whose request it was made and subject to any conditions or restrictions stated in the delegation,

(e) every statutory power or duty delegated by the delegation shall, notwithstanding the delegation, continue to be vested in the Minister of the Government on whose request the delegation was made but shall be so vested concurrently with such Minister of State and so as to be capable of being exercised or performed by either such Minister of the Government or such Minister of State, and

(f) the delegation shall not remove or derogate from the responsibility of the Minister of the Government on whose request it was made to Dáil Éireann or as a member of the Government for the exercise or performance of the statutory powers and duties thereby delegated.

I am aided in my duties by Ministers of State Michael Ring and Alan Kelly.

Minister of State Michael Ring has responsibility in the areas of tourism and sport with a particular focus on:

Domestic tourism, marketing, and the Home Holiday campaign.

Sports tourism events.

Cultural tourism, festivals and other tourism-generating events.

The Sports Capital Programme.

The National Sports Facility Strategy.

Engagement with the Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships on promoting participation in sport, recreation and physical activity.

Chairing the High Level Co-Ordinating Group which is identifying opportunities that might arise from the proximity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The European agenda on sport, including attendance at Council of Ministers when sports issues are discussed.

Minister of State Kelly has responsibility in the areas of public transport, commuting and sustainability functions with a particular focus upon:

Real Time Passenger Information and Integrated Ticketing.

Rural Transport policy including the pursuit of integration with other local transport services in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

The Review of taxi regulation and organisation of the Taxi Forum in line with Programme for Government commitments.

Responsibility for the National Sustainable Travel Office.

Overseeing Smarter Travel initiatives.

Re-establishing the NTA Advisory Council.

Integration between land use planning strategies and transport strategies.

Promotion of cycling and walking, workplace travel planning including the roll out of the city bike schemes as per the programme for government.

Accessibility issues in public transport.

Railway Safety Commission.

He will also be invovled and consulted on all ministerial decisions with regard to CIE (including the CIE companies) and the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Both Ministers have the following general responsibilities:

To provide support to me, as required, in the exercise of my functions across the Department including in relation to Oireachtas business, international commitments and attendance at public events.

Representation on the appropriate Cabinet sub committees. In the case of Minister Kelly this includes attendance at the Cabinet sub-committees on Economic Infrastructure and Climate Change.

To answer parliamentary questions in the areas to which they have been assigned specific responsibility.

Rail Network

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

552 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on Irish Rails decision to replace all directly employed labour in the engineering functions with British contracting firms to carry out all Irish State funded capital work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17122/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rail Services

Dan Neville

Ceist:

553 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a response from Irish Rail to his most recent communication requesting them to consider the re-opening of the Limerick to Foynes line for rail freight; if Irish Rail believe that, with the Shannon Foynes Port Company, if a viable business case exists to re open the line and the funding that would be available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17191/11]

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

558 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a response from Irish Rail to his correspondence asking them to consider the re-opening of the Limerick to Foynes line for rail freight; his views that, with the Shannon Foynes Port Company, a viable business case exists to reopen the line and the funding that may be available. [17469/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 558 together.

Decisions relating to the re-opening of rail lines are a matter for Iarnród Eireann in the first instance. The company has advised me that it continues to engage with the Port Company and potential customers, to establish if a viable commercial case exists to reopen the line. Iarnród Eireann is keen to ensure that the zinc from Pallas Green can be moved by rail to whichever port it is ultimately exported from.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport my responsibility is for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Decisions in relation to transport projects will be taken in the context of the Capital Review, which is currently underway.

Given the difficult financial situation the first priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain existing investments and to maintain high safety standards. This of necessity will restrict the funding for new projects with only those offering the highest return and which contribute to overall economic and transport objectives and, are affordable, having any chance of being prioritised. Iarnrod Eireann have made a submission to the Department regarding their priorities for funding under the transport capital programme and final decisions will be made in the context of the new National Development Plan to be published in the Autumn.

Rail Network

Dan Neville

Ceist:

554 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if existing legislation allows a third party to purchase or lease existing mothballed or redundant railway lines from Iarnroid Eireann/C.I.E.; and if not if he will consider introducing legislation to allow new operators to take over such lines. [17192/11]

I have not yet considered proposals to introduce legislation regarding alternative operators taking over existing or redundant railway lines.

The purchase or lease of existing or redundant railway lines is a matter for CIE. I have referred the Deputy's question to CIE for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

555 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include the Bonagee link road in Letterkenny, County Donegal, within a National Roads Authority strategy document; and if not, the reason for its exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17227/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Ministerial Travel

Niall Collins

Ceist:

556 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rate of travel expense that is mileage paid for use of his private cars; the rate of subsistence payments and any other allowances available to him and his Ministers of State in the course if their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17247/11]

The following table shows the private car rates payable to Ministers/Ministers of State.

Rates per Kilometres

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

Up to 6437km

39.12 cent

46.25 cent

59.07 cent

70.89 cent

6438km and over

21.22 cent

23.62 cent

28.46 cent

34.15 cent

The current subsistence allowance for domestic travel for Ministers is €72.66 (i.e. half the civil service Class A overnight rate of €108.99, increased by one-third). As normally applies, the day rates applicable are the Class A day rates effective from 5 March 2009. Ministers and Ministers of State may also claim the vouched cost of a hotel room (including tax and up to 15% service charge). The payment of subsistence to Ministers is on the same basis as that payable to civil servants.

Where Ministers travel abroad or to Northern Ireland they may claim the following. The vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge plus the Class A civil service conference rate increased by 1/3, with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it increased by 1/2.

In relation to other allowances, I and my Ministers of State also receive the Ministerial rate of the Parliamentary Standard Allowance (PSA), details of which are published on the Oireachtas website, along with a secretarial allowance which is available to TD's and Senators.

The PSA for Ministers is lower than that for TDs and Senators as the Department provides us with phones. I have availed of the fully vouched option with regard to the PSA.

Port Development

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

557 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the position regarding the announcement from Dublin Port Company concerning the company’s new masterplan and noting his media welcome of the masterplan; if he will outline his support for same; if he has or will enter into discussion with local Government TDs who are openly and publicly campaigning at local level against the plan and frustrating Dublin Ports attempt at public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17294/11]

As mentioned in the Deputy's question, I have previously welcomed the initiative Dublin Port Company has taken to develop a masterplan for the future development of the port over a 20-30 year timeframe.

It is in line with international best practice for the long term planning of port infrastructure and is consistent with efforts to improve integrated transport planning more generally. It is also an important method for facilitating the engagement of local communities and other stakeholders in the long term planning of the port.

The Company has held a comprehensive public consultation on the masterplan, including a number of public events. I have urged all stakeholders to participate in the process.

The issues paper published by the Company for consultative purposes raised a number of different options for consideration. Understandably different opinions exist on the future development of the port. A critical part of the masterplan process is to allow full participation of all stakeholders, so that their views can be taken account of by the company when finalising the masterplan later this year. I have not stated support for any of the particular options proposed. I have welcomed the process and the concept of the longterm masterplanning of ports.

The port company has the very challenging task of fulfilling its statutory mandate to develop the country's primary maritime gateway in a way that minimises the environmental impact and maximises the benefits for the city and country as a whole. I believe that it is possible to strike that balance, and the masterplan will be an important step in that process.

Question No. 558 answered with Question No. 553.

Road Safety

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

559 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to carry out a road safety impact study to assess the impact of the school transport cuts and the possibility of children having to walk to school or the increase in traffic at the junctions in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal. [17474/11]

Any study on the possible impact of changes in the school transport system on local traffic volume and safety such as that referred to by the Deputy would be a matter for the appropriate local authority, in this case Donegal County Council. I would suggest that the Deputy raise the matter with them. As the school transport services comes under the remit of the Department of Education and Skills, the Deputy may wish to suggest to the County Council that they should liaise with that Department, should they wish to conduct a study.

Sports Capital Programme

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

560 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sport capital grants awarded in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of these grants that have yet to be drawn down; the amount of these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17476/11]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Year

Number of Allocations made

Amount allocated

Number yet to be fully drawn down

Amount yet to be drawn down (Approx)

2005

659

€66.234m

129

€8.4m

2006

859

€91.836m

193

€14m

2007

935

€85m

288

€19m

Salvage Regulations

John Deasy

Ceist:

561 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the State as registered owner of a vessel can prohibit salvage of that vessel even when an insurance claim has been submitted and paid. [17523/11]

John Deasy

Ceist:

562 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person that determines whether or not a salvage payment is due to a salvor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17524/11]

John Deasy

Ceist:

563 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is possible for a receiver of wreck to return a vessel to its owner without notifying the salvor. [17525/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 to 563, inclusive, together.

The Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 governs Salvage and Wreck issues. The day to day operation of the Act is the responsibility of the relevant Receiver of Wreck, who is an official of the Revenue Commissioners (Customs). Salvage services for a state owned vessel are regulated in law in the same manner as other vessels. Under Section 32 of the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993, the owner, including the State, of a vessel, may prohibit its salvage. However the circumstances of this individual case are not known to me so I cannot comment on any insurance implications.

In general, depending on the individual case involved, the Receiver of Wreck, and/or an arbitrator, or the High Court, will determine whether or not payment is due to a salvor, and, if payment should be made, the amount and basis for such payment in relation to salvage operations carried out. In the case of a wreck which has been found and delivered to the Receiver of Wreck, the Receiver will restore the wreck to its owner, but not before payment of any salvage costs due. Any party not satisfied with the decision of the Receiver may seek to have the matter decided by an arbitrator or the High Court.

Since the Receiver of Wreck deals with the payment of salvage costs, the salvor should be aware of the return of the vessel to its owner. However as the current legislation stands, there is no legal obligation on the Receiver of Wreck to inform the salvor of the return of a vessel to its owner.

Road Network

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

564 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the bypass for Macroom, County Cork, will commence in view of the fact that the delay caused by having to travel through the centre of town is a serious deterrent for business having to transport goods between Cork and County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17549/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme . The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Rail Services

Derek Keating

Ceist:

565 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17557/11]

Operational matters relating to Luas services are a matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the RPA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Departmental Agencies

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

566 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority are to be merged; if so, the timeframe for the merger; when the process will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17567/11]

I am currently finalising proposals for the merger of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). A public consultation on the proposal closed at the end of May 2011 and my Department is currently examining the submissions made as part of that consultation process with a view to submitting proposals to Government. It is envisaged that implementation of the merger would take a period of at least 12 to 18 months following a Government decision to proceed and depending on the time required to secure Oireachtas approval for the necessary legislation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

567 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the skilled professionals of the Railway Procurement Agency will be integrated into the National Roads Authority if the proposed merger between the two agencies goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17568/11]

I propose to have these issues relating to the merger of the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency examined by a merger implementation team drawn from both bodies. I do not wish to anticipate the outcome of the work to be undertaken by the yet to be established implementation team.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

568 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way salaries and conditions of staff will be protected if the proposed merger between the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads authority goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17569/11]

I propose to have these issues relating to merging the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency examined by a merger implementation team that will be drawn from both bodies. I do not wish to anticipate the outcome of the work to be undertaken by the yet to be established implementation team.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

569 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the critical work of the Railway Procurement Agency including overseeing the LUAS system, planning of new LUAS infrastructure and Metro will be prioritised and carried out in the context of the proposal to merge the RPA with the NRA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17570/11]

Overseeing the LUAS system, planning of new LUAS infrastructure and Metro will be undertaken by the new merged body as determined by the management structure put in place after the merger is implemented. This will be an operational function of the merged body.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

570 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if staff at the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority and their representatives including the Transport and Salaried Staffs Association have been consulted in any way on the proposed merger of the two agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17571/11]

During the work of the Steering Group on the merger of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) which reported in October 2010, and which included both CEOs and another board member from each organisation, minutes of the Steering group meetings were circulated to staff of both the NRA and the RPA. I have held a public consultation on the Regulatory Impact of the proposed merger of the NRA and RPA which closed on 24th May 2011. Submissions were received from staff interests. A meeting was also held with my officials and a representative of SIPTU in August 2010.

Public Transport

John Lyons

Ceist:

571 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any public transport price increases are planned or under consideration; when decisions on any price increases are likely; the impact he envisages these increased costs having on passenger numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17585/11]

The recently published CIE accounts for 2010 showed a deficit of €53.597m for 2010. Within the context of such figures, and the fact that the state subvention to public transport providers will decrease significantly over the next number of years, I highlighted in public comment that the CIE companies will be required to look at further cost savings, service rationalisation and fare increases. Cost cutting should take precedence over fare increases and service reductions but fare increases and service reductions will be inevitable if costs cannot be reduced sufficiently. I will communicate same to the newly appointed chairs of the CIE companies when I present them with their letters of mandate in the coming days.

Of course, any proposal by the CIÉ companies to vary bus or rail passenger fares requires the approval of the National Transport Authority (NTA), as part of its independent statutory mandate and the exercise of its powers to enter into public service contracts with the companies. I do not anticipate any fare increases in this calendar year. Fare increases do not require ministerial approval.

Departmental Funding

Robert Troy

Ceist:

572 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will be allocating money to various councils under the smarter travel scheme. [17609/11]

Applications due by 22nd June 2011 and recently received from local authorities in respect of the special 2011 Jobs Initiative Smarter Travel Funding package are currently under consideration within my Department. Examination of the applications is receiving priority within the Department and I expect that approvals for projects will issue in the very near future.

Consultancy Contracts

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

573 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the value per Government agency of contracts issued outsourcing IT services for 2010 and 2011; of those contracts issued, the number of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts issued as a condition of the original contract issued and if the information will be broken down on a per contract basis per government agency. [18182/11]

The information requested by the deputy is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the state agencies under my Department's aegis. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

574 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the following information regarding each of the State agencies (details supplied), namely, the total number of staff and their respective job titles; the total number of board members and their respective remuneration packages; the total annual wage bill for each agency and the total annual amount of central funding provided to each agency. [18193/11]

The details in respect of salary costs, employment numbers and Directors fees can be found in the Annual Report of each agency.

In relation to central funding provided to each agency, details can be found in two publications — the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Service Expenditure (REV) and the Appropriation Accounts. The REV sets out the estimated expenditure for the current year and the provisional outturn for the previous year and is usually presented to the Dáil and published early in the year. The Appropriation Account sets out the Department's previous year's actual spend alongside the final estimate and is usually published in August. The Table below lists the Agencies which are currently funded by my Department.

CIE Group

Railway Safety Commission

Railway Procurement Agency

National Roads Authority

National Transport Authority

Road Safety Authority

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

Marine Casualty Investigation Board

Failte Ireland

Tourism Ireland Limited

Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited

Irish Sports Council

National Sports Campus

Business Expansion Projects

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

575 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any possible sources of loan finance from European sources including the European Investment Bank in respect of small and medium enterprises here wishing to undertake business expansion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18202/11]

My Department does not have recourse to any European sources of loan finance in respect of small and medium enterprises wishing to undertake business expansion projects.

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